Two new modules, FDM Assembly Fixture Generator and Masking Fixture Module, enable 3D printing of jigs, fixtures and other tooling.
As 3D printing continues to become a fixture in the world of manufacturing, some aspects of the technology have been more challenging to adopt. An ongoing collaboration between software developer nTopology, a leader in generative design solutions, and Stratasys, a 3D printer manufacturer, have steadily been removing those bottlenecks. Since the two started collaborating last year, their main focus has been to streamline Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) processes.
“nTopology’s software for additive design is a powerful pairing with our additive manufacturing systems, so it was clear we should work together,” said Pat Carey, Stratasys senior vice president of products and solutions. “Our analysis shows manufacturing applications are currently seeing the most growth in our industry, from $2.8 billion in 2015 to $25 billion in 2025, so we focused our first collaboration on serving that segment. Companies want to move faster—to be able to adapt to change—and pure digital manufacturing gives them that agility.”
In November, the two released the first customizable DfAM program, FDM Fixture Generator design automation tool for 3D printed jigs, fixtures and other tooling. According to nTopology, jigs and fixtures only account for 10 percent of 3D-printed end-use parts, and less than 1 percent of fixtures 3D printed globally. Both companies focused on simplifying design and making parts more accessible on the floor.
“We look forward to super-charging the Stratasys additive community with nTop Platform by combining Stratasys expertise with our powerful platform, giving both of our users improved designs with faster time to manufacture,” said nTopology Founder and CEO Bradley Rothenberg. “Manufacturing is going through the most profound shift it has seen in 100 years, and the Stratasys nTopology collaboration brings this unique combined innovation to accelerate that shift.”
The FDM Fixture Generator was designed to automate 90 percent of the work, freeing up time and increasing cost savings. The first module, the FDM Assembly Fixture Generator, enables a file to be transformed into a fixture that is ready to print by simply dragging and dropping. The software optimizes the design, whether a kitting tray, storage case or other fixture, making it easier to fast-track production when complex fixtures are needed. The result is shorter lead times and efficiency enhancements.
The second module, the Masking Fixture Module, was designed to eliminate the extra work associated with manual masking techniques. Parts are kept clean and safe throughout the printing process without requiring one-off jigs or fixtures. Whether holes, gaskets or mating or two parts are needed, the module enables their creation without extra work. This module can also be used on post-processing operations by adding protective fixtures to better handle shipping and logistics.
So far, the companies have reported positive results from customers. The Masking Fixture Module has been used in the aerospace and defense sectors, enabling scrap reduction. Medical devices have also benefited from the module’s added layer of protection during deburring and abrasive processes.
nTopology and Stratasys plan to continue their collaboration and release a series of modules. The first two are now available.
Interested in other 3D printing innovations? Check out BASF Forward AM Partners with Nexa3D to Deliver New Ultrafast Photopolymer Materials and BMF Makes Micro 3D Printing a Reality.
