How 3D Printed Tools, Jigs and Fixtures are Slashing Production Times and Costs.
Engineering companies are leveraging high performance 3D printed materials such as Ultem 9085, Ultem 1010, Antero, ABS and Nylon 12 Carbon Fibre to produce lighter, better performing tools, jigs and fixtures for the shopfloor in less time with less cost. At Division X Creative we have over 25 different materials in use on our Stratasys machines and can print to a size of 914 x 610 x 914mm turning round 3D printed jigs in days rather than weeks or months.
What are the benefits:
Weight Reduction - High strength plastics offer a superior solution to conventional metal-cutting processes. Specialised light-weight techniques can be used to produce a strong component without all the heft.
Geometry - Additive manufacturing places fewer constraints on tool configuration. It is not restricted by geometry, if it can be designed in a cad programe then it can be 3D printed. This means Jigs, fixtures and tools can be customised and desiged with the user in mind.
Reduction of Production Times - I have had many conversations with companies who can be waiting weeks if not months to produce items that can be 3D printed in days. As the old saying goes, time is money.
Who is using 3D Printed Tools, Jigs and Fixtures?
We at Division X Creative are working with many industries including Automotive, Aerospace and Rail.
Every type of company is now starting to undertand these materials and this tecnnology is the future. If production times can be slashed, costs reduced and pieces customised with out restrictions of geometry then every type of company should be using this process. If they are not prepaired to investigate what is happening in this market place they will be left behind.
3D printing jigs and fixtures opens up new possibilities for the production floor. With fast and near labour-free production, 3D printing offers a powerful solution for producing manufacturing aids for your business.
If you need any help or advice then please do not hesitate to contact me.
Comments