4 Reasons to Utilise 3D Printing for Jigs, Fixtures and Tooling

Statistics show that most applications for additive manufacturing using 3D printing have increased by seven per cent from the year 2017 to 2019. It’s undeniable that the use of 3D printing has skyrocketed in recent years. There’s something special about turning a digital file into three-dimensional life. That’s why if you are dealing with Jigs, Fixtures, and Tooling (JFT), it makes sense to consider producing 3D printing.

Wondering why? Here are four reasons to utilise 3D printing for JFT.

New and advanced materials

Gone are the days when you had to use traditional machined materials such as aluminium to 3D print something. The way this material holds can lead to marring, scratching, and other damages. Today, 3D printing makes use of materials such as PETG ESD, or TPU ESD processed through a printer. As a result, it can protect a finished product. New materials allow performance and dimensional stability that can withstand harsh chemical baths or painting. You can consider the likes of Delrin, Nylon, ABS, and UMHW PE for your 3D printing materials.

Global access with local market

Most 3D printing companies nowadays have access to a global network. They belong to a network that tests and validates material performance in a manufacturing environment. Yet, on the other side of the spectrum, they cater to local customers as an expert in the industry. This means that most of these 3D printing companies offer quality printing to local customers who can take advantage of this. Tried and tested materials can be digitally transferred to facilities around the globe, making it easier to produce quality results in a cost-efficient manner.

Impact of cost-efficiency

Manufacturing companies can definitely feel the impact of 3D printing in their industry, given its overall efficiency. Consider the cost of creating JFT using a traditional machine shop. Any of the machines will require CNC and other metal fabrication equipment, as well as skilled employees for operation. That can be tedious, time-consuming, and costly. On the other hand, 3D printing can be quite cost-efficient. Expect the 3D-printed fixtures available the next day. This is made possible through optimal configurations, improved production, increased quality, and utilisation of a more ergonomic work environment.

Dynamic and flexible approach

What’s good about the use of 3D printing is its dynamic and flexible approach. This is because you can make quick changes at the assembly line. This means capitalising on dynamic changes in components and processes, improving the efficiency of shortened product lifecycles, and taking advantage of market opportunities. When 3D printing is integrated at the right place and time on the assembly line, such flexibility allows for adaptations and adjustments needed to achieve the best possible performance. That can translate into quality JFT outputs or products.

Final words

The use of 3D printing has taken the world by storm, particularly in the manufacturing industry. Additive manufacturing is simply the right tool for the right job, and some businesses fail to grab the opportunity. 

That said, consider the four good reasons to take advantage of 3D printing for you JFT—advanced materials, global access with local performance, cost-efficiency, as well as dynamism and flexibility. All these will work turn your digital files into 3D wonders right before your very eyes!

If you are looking for 3D printing services in Coventry, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

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