Welcome back to Visiometer’s 3D printing news! Today, we’re diving into the world of nTopology and Stratasys’ groundbreaking achievement – the FDM Assembly Fixture Generator. This remarkable tool automates fixture and jig design for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), making the entire process as easy as a simple drag-and-drop.
A Powerful Partnership
nTopology, in collaboration with Stratasys, introduces the FDM Assembly Fixture Generator, designed to streamline the design of fixtures and jigs for the FDM process. It’s powered by nTopology’s well-established topology optimization software engine, which operates with a goal-driven and generative approach to optimize part designs for specific end-use applications.
The Goal: Maximizing Efficiency
The primary objective of this initiative is to remove bottlenecks in design and manufacturing by maximizing efficiency through time and material savings. They are planning to roll out an entire series of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) workflows, empowering users to harness the full potential of 3D printing on the shop floor. This is where the most significant growth in the manufacturing sector is happening.
Applications Abound
Jigs and fixtures are integral components of the manufacturing process, accounting for approximately 10% of all 3D-printed end-use parts. However, less than 1% of fixtures used globally in factories are currently 3D printed. This is set to change dramatically in the coming years as 3D printing gains more prominence in the manufacturing landscape.
Automated tools for Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) are essential to make these parts more accessible to manufacturers worldwide. The FDM Fixture Generator automates a substantial 90% of the design work required for simple fixtures and jigs. The newly introduced Masking Fixture Module takes it a step further, eliminating the need for manual masking techniques, regardless of the model’s complexity.
Streamlining the Workflow
This innovative software workflow program can save users countless hours of work typically spent in CAD design software for each job. The Masking Fixture Module transforms complex part surfaces into customized protective plugs, masks, and enclosures with just a few clicks.
One key feature is the ability to safeguard critical part faces, gaskets, holes, or mating surfaces during various post-processing operations. This functionality extends to protective fixtures that can be added with a single click, offering protection during shipping, logistics, and downstream operations.
Customization and Efficiency
The Masking Fixture Module comes equipped with an array of built-in features that automate the entire design process. You can add tapers to your plugs and customize their clearance, ensuring a perfect fit. For example, an anti-rotation fixture can be created to elevate and position chain wheels for assembly, regardless of complex geometries.
Moreover, a fractal infill pattern can be applied to save both material and print time, making the entire process more efficient and sustainable. This approach minimizes material usage and reduces manufacturing time.
Positive Feedback and Real-World Application
Early customer feedback for the Masking Fixture Module has been overwhelmingly positive. Users in the aerospace and defense sector see the tool’s potential to reduce scrap rates and increase throughput. Machine shops involved in the creation of medical devices and aerospace parts are planning to utilize this tool to protect component faces during deburring and abrasive processes.
The Software Revolution for 3D Printing
We are witnessing a software revolution in 3D printing, driven by AI-enabled machine learning and highly complex regenerative software. These innovations are simplifying the entire process, marking a significant step forward for 3D printing’s largest sector: manufacturing.
If you’re as excited as we are about the transformative potential of the Masking Fixture Module, don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to stay updated with the latest developments. The world of 3D printing is evolving rapidly, and we’re here to keep you informed. Until next time, have a fantastic day!