3D Printing – Not Just for Prototypes

Manufacturing Requirements Any manufacturing process will at some time or another require jigs and fixtures whether for assembly or to aid efficiency and control quality. Often the requirement only becomes apparent when production is about to start for the first time so requiring speedy manufacture. New Approach vs Traditional Manufacture Traditionally jigs and fixtures would be machined or fabricated from metal, wood or plastic. They can be expensive and take days or weeks to produce. The design and manufacture may also be limited by the machining and fabrication processes used. 3D printed jigs and fixtures can be produced in hours and cost considerably less. If a modification is required a new fixture can be printed with very little time lost. 3D printed jigs and fixtures are particularly suited to complex or organic designs. Advantages of 3D Printed Jigs • Lead times reduced by 40% to 80% • Soft touch features can be easily incorporated • Cost reductions over traditional manufacture of 70% to 95% • Usually the jig or fixture can be manufactured in a single build so improving accuracy and performance Applications Rutland Plastics offers a wide range of assembly operations as part of its injection moulding service. It has experience in the design and manufacture of a number of jigs for internal use, such as the one shown in the photo which is used to hold part of an electronics enclosure for the insertion of threaded inserts. 3D printed jigs and fixtures are likely to grow in importance as more companies realise the benefits. Rutland Plastics Ltd Tel: 01572 723476enquiry@rutlandplastics.co.uk www.plasticprototypes.co.uk