3D Printing: A Valuable Instrument for Fixturing Solutions

3D Printing: A Valuable Instrument for Fixturing Solutions

In the realm of mass-production projects, the importance of precise fixturing becomes evident as quantities grow. This lesson was learned by Chris Borge, who encountered challenges during a recent production undertaking. To resolve these issues, Borge engineered a custom fixturing tool: a 3D-printed workholding system.

For Borge's project, 3D-printed workplates serve as the foundation, Their surfaces feature a grid of meticulously designed apertures, each capable of holding a single bolt. Interchangeable plastic fixtures can then be inserted into these apertures, secured by nuts threaded onto the anchored bolts below. With this setup, Borge can create various plastic fixtures for attachment to the modular grid, resulting in a highly flexible system.

While the notion of 3D-printed fixtures may not appear robust at first, it proves suitable for tasks involving minimal forces, such as laser cutting. To further bolster the stability of the 3D-printed workplate, Borge incorporated a laser-cut wooden frame filled with concrete into the design, ensuring sturdiness without compromising flexibility.

The use of 3D-printed fixtures for mass-production projects isn't uncharted territory, with innovations spanning industries and applications. For instance, Medbio, a medical molder, employs 3D printing to produce custom inspection fixtures for expediting development and personalization processes. Similarly, Emerson utilizes 3D-printed calibration fixtures for their ultrasonic flowmeters, aiding in swift and precise installation and calibration without necessitating pipe access.

Companies like Bifrost Manufacturing demonstrate the adaptability of 3D-printed fixturing components in production lines by combining traditional methods with additive manufacturing to create custom-engineered solutions, such as tailored fittings for nail gun angles or color-coded clips.

Digital inventory platforms, like Würth Additive Group’s Digital Inventory Service (DIS), facilitate rapid deployment of fixures by storing digital part files that can be produced on demand via 3D printing, minimizing downtime and inventory costs.

In summary, innovative fixturing tools in mass production increasingly leverage 3D printing to produce custom, lightweight, and complex fixtures, such as inspection and calibration tools. Coupled with digital inventory management and quick-change mechanical systems, these tools enhance flexibility and efficiency in various industries.

In the expanding realm of industries, 3D-printed fixtures are increasingly being adopted for their lightweight and customizable nature, as demonstrated by Chris Borge's manufacturing project and innovations in the medical, technological, and finance sectors. For instance, Medbio, Emerson, and Bifrost Manufacturing leverage 3D printing to produce custom inspection, calibration, and fittings fixtures, respectively, thereby streamlining production processes and minimizing downtime. On the financial front, digital inventory platforms like Würth Additive Group’s Digital Inventory Service (DIS) further enhance efficiency by offering on-demand 3D printing of fixtures, reducing inventory costs.

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