3D Printing Streamline Processes Across Your Business

Turning Conceptual designs into tangible models

Producing realistic physical models by traditional methods is time consuming, but the models are a necessity if clients are to fully comprehend a project’s design intent. With 3D printing, professional models can be created very quickly to demonstrate designs, illustrate assemblies and identify potential problems before resources are invested in tooling and production.

The use of 3D scanners enables designers to turn ideas into data, which in turn can be 3D printed into real, tangible objects.

Preparing Functional Prototypes

Physical models are important tools for testing a product’s accuracy and viability.

Unfortunately, when outsourcing the creation of such a model, manufacturers can’t be certain that the fit, strength and texture will be right. In addition, long turnaround times may lead to delayed projects and the loss of business and profitability.

A 3D printer enables companies to evaluate performance and fine-tune products without committing to production tooling. A 3D scanner is an essential tool in this process, providing the ability to quickly capture design

Manufacturing jigs and fixtures

Custom-made tooling and fixtures can be produced as needed on a 3D printer, improving a company’s ability to respond to customer demand. Even the most complex of components can easily be located by scanning a component and immediately producing a 3D printed “mirror image”.

Strong, durable jigs and fixtures can be created in one night instead of weeks, irrespective of the complexity of the design. Design changes can also be easily implemented, especially when applied to functional applications.

Creating Production Parts

A 3D printer can speed up the tooling process – but it can also enable manufacturers to skip the process completely.

3D printers are available in all shapes and sizes, utilising a wide variety of materials, so users can simply print production parts directly from CAD files. This is particularly advantageous in scenarios involving high-value, low-volume production.

The ability to 3D print production parts without having to invest in high-volume tooling yields big savings, and design changes can be made immediately, simply by changing the CAD model or even the part itself. Such changes are easily documented with a 3D scanner.

A crucial aspect of production parts is the need to provide a QC facility. Creaform scanners offer metrology grade accuracy and software solutions to meet all requirements, making a scanner an adaptable yet important tool in the 3D printing process.