In the manufacturing industry, 3D printing and 3D scanning for jigs and fixtures is starting to become a staple. This is due to the fact that these two technologies work well together which boost the construction or assembly of a particular product.
Jigs, grips, and fixtures are crucial component parts as it supports and holds pieces in place. To which 3D scanning and 3D printing helps to better create and reproduce with increased interchangeability. Why get these services? We list the reasons why:
3D scanning and 3D printing takes much less time compared with traditional manufacturing methods. Time saving means cost saving. Also, these can be outsourced from a 3D company to do the job.
Using the information gathered using a 3D scanner, the output is designed using a 3D CAD software and then sent to a 3D printer which can do so without manual assistance or labor. It offers 58% saving in cost and 92% increase in lead times.
Using 3D scanning and 3D printing, jigs and fixtures are possible to produce quickly. Additive manufacturing can produce the output straight from the machine. A lot of jigs and fixtures no longer require conventional manufacturing and machining; this saves time and money.
The output from a 3D scanner provides the ability for you to design freely to fit your own specifications and requirements. To which a 3D printer can easily print. This is something that is quite impossible using traditional machining methods.
Also it provides engineers and designers to create jigs and fixtures with special properties such as heat and chemical resistance, UV stability, and flame retardancy. This gives an output that is strong, lightweight in high performance materials.
Design freedom is possible using a 3D scanner and a 3D printer. Thus tools can be complex but lead times can be shorter. As well as labor and cost that it requires for assembly processes.
Also, using these two technologies, it is possible to create a single contiguous component instead of parts that require assembly and fitting. These features will improve the overall precision, stability and accuracy of the final product.
3D scanning output is processed using 3D CAD models which is then used for 3D printers. This enables design iterations to happen in a much faster time on the software itself. Once done with modification, it can be uploaded in the 3D printer for printing.
The model is possible to print within a span of a few hours and if there is a flaw, you can iterate it and then re-print it again until it reaches your desired specifications. This also helps to deliver products to customers on-demand.
3D scanning in engineering can help you come up with new and improved designs for jigs and fixtures to deliver better performance. As you only need 3D CAD software to design, you can come up with new designs at regular intervals.
While for existing parts, you can use a 3D scanner for reverse engineering purposes or to improve its design for better performance.
It also removes the need to consider conventional design restrictions such as irregular contours or geometrices.
Digital inventory enables a computerized file management system that provides virtual storage 3D CAD designs. This can help you reduce warehouse space as you no longer have to maintain physical inventory.
Access to CAD models will also help your inventory to become more agile and immediate. This is better suited in producing low quantities on demand. It also helps to produce obsolete products in-house or where it is supposed to be used.
This will speed up the delivery and reduce the cost of shipping volume and transportation cost.
Getting the service of a 3D scanning company can help you create tools with organic shapes and contours. Which will provide better comfort and improved accuracy. Also with an ergonomic functionality, it can reduce downtime and flawed units.
As the pioneer of 3D printing and related services in the country, we continuously provide excellent end-to-end services for various industries.
Aside from 3D scanning, we also provide 3D designing, 3D reverse engineering, and 3D rapid prototyping.
3D2GO Philippines is the regional distributor of these 3D printers and 3D scanners if you wish to get your own to explore its vast potential.
Let us help you maximize its potential and improve your products and service delivery. Contact us today!