Additive manufacturing is becoming increasingly present in many stages of manufacturing processes. As the technology becomes more advanced on one end, it is also becoming more affordable for many operating budgets. The transition from 3D CAD models to 3D printing is getting to be easier to integrate. The challenges of using different materials still remain, but the solutions are coming up regularly. For the most part, the greatest and most widely used benefit of 3D printing is during prototyping, but other applications are becoming a possibility. Assembly aids and CMM fixtures are now commonly produced using additive manufacturing and this technology has certainly made the life on the shop floor easier.
Key Takeaways:
- At Advanced Precision Engineering, additive manufacturing is used at all stages of its processes.
- APE installed a Markforged X7 3D printer to complement its collaborative robots.
- Additive manufacturing applications include gaging kits, coolant nozzles and hose mounts.
“To maintain an edge with its largely West Coast customer base, this East Coast supplier has been investing millions of dollars annually in new equipment.”
Read more: https://www.mmsonline.com/blog/post/3d-printings-value-add-keeps-adding-up
