Whether you know them as jigs and fixtures or simply manufacturing tools, these production aids are a key part of the manufacturing process. For decades they’ve been machined from metal and welded or assembled together. But traditional material and fabrication methods are time-consuming and expensive and can mean decreased efficiencies on the floor as well as increased costs. There’s a better, faster way to make jigs and fixtures that can lower your costs and increase efficiency while also making them more ergonomic. It’s called 3D printing.
3D printing has moved beyond just prototyping. Its ability to dramatically lower production times and costs, often while increasing functionality. What’s at stake is the ability to improve your current operational efficiency, as well as the ability to capitalize on new product and market opportunities.
If you haven’t considered 3D printing in your manufacturing operation, you’re missing an opportunity to streamline production and lower cost.
seconds saved per PCB |
hours saved per batch |
3D printing can lead to big changes that maximize profits by driving out every wasted second and penny from the manufacturing process. But that’s not to say that 3D printing is an outright replacement for traditional manufacturing methods. Rather, 3D printing should be viewed as a complementary technology that adds value and opens new possibilities. CNC machining, injection molding and other conventional manufacturing methods still have their place. But as this solution brief has shown, 3D printing jigs and fixtures is one area where the technology can make substantial improvements in efficiency and cost reduction.
If you have a CAD file and access to a 3D printing system, you are ready to start making manufacturing tools with as little as 15 minutes of hands-on labor. Combine the simplicity with typical time and cost reductions of 40 to 90 percent and you will understand why 3D printing spurs companies to make more jigs, fixtures and other manufacturing tools than ever before. Perhaps most importantly, starting now with jigs and fixtures and other tools puts you and your manufacturing team on the path to rethinking your production process and even your business model.
To reach these achievements, many companies rely on the Fortus 450mc™ and Stratasys F900™ 3D Printers. That’s because unlike other 3D printing platforms, the Fortus 450mc and F900 have a proven record of reliability, consistent build results and are easy to operate. They’re based on the FDM (fused deposition modeling) process, a proven 3D printing technology. These printers also give you the broadest array of engineering thermoplastics to choose from, including high-performance materials such as FDM Nylon 12 Carbon Fiber, PEKK and ULTEM™ resins. Consider this: what would the ability to easily and quickly create tools that save time on a multitude of tasks mean to your production schedule and your organization’s bottom line? Contact a Stratasys representative to find out.