The problem and feasibility of 3D printing in production are that traditional jigs and fixtures are often made of machined metals such as aluminum. These are often bulky and expensive tools that require weeks or months to design, test, adjust and manufacture, and are often not very ergonomic for the user. Lost or damaged tools or any changes to the new product design next year may require longer downtime for replacement or rework. Here, additive manufacturing can bring many benefits to the shop floor
1. Accelerate production and shorten delivery time with lower cost. New tools
can be prototyped and modified quickly. When a jig or a fixture is lost, worn, or damaged, replacements can be printed on demand within hours at a fraction of the cost of machined replacements. Additive manufacturing is the perfect solution for reprinting instruments and fixtures with a limited lifetime or in specialized production runs.
2. Extended freedom of design and customization. Ideas that improve the design or functionality of the tool can be quickly implemented. It also enables engineers to design handles and fixtures with improved ergonomics to improve worker comfort and safety, such as smoother contours, easier grip, or better control and maneuverability.
3. Reduce weight. Many fibers can rival the strength of metal in manufacturing fixtures and fixtures that are 70% lighter in weight - ideal for large fixtures or tools that need to be moved around the production floor.
4. Tool integration. Reduce overall assembly time and steps, and print multiple components into a single part that would otherwise not be possible to assemble using conventional machine tools.
5. Precision assisted by CAD. 3D printing can produce tools with tolerances in thousandths of an inch. This makes it ideal for production quality control, testing, and inspection fixtures.
In summary, additive manufactured jigs and fixtures are lightweight, manufactured quickly with minimal effort, waste-free, are infinitely reproducible, and when fabricated with the correct gage and hardware materials, they can match or exceed those manufactured by metalworking. traditional tools.