Automation in manufacturing starts with having the right parts for your processes. Of course, “the right parts” can mean a single uniform solution, or several smaller solutions that are used interchangeably. When your automation processes rely on a flexible set of tools to get the job done, 3D printing is often the best solution. But what are 3D printing services, and how does 3D printing play a role in automation?
Read on to learn more about 3D printing, and how our 3D printing services can make complex problems simple to solve for your business!
What Is 3D Printing?
At its core, 3D printing is exactly what it sounds like: a 3D printer uses a computer model to automatically construct an object. This serves applications in almost all industries, but for automation and end of arm tooling, 3D printing specifically helps you get specific parts you need – when you need them!
The 3D printer extrudes its material and builds the part or tool from the bottom up. The process can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
Material used in 3D printing is specific to the type of application, but we often use PA 2200. This material is ideal for industrial settings due to its high mechanical strength, heat resistance up to around 172°C, and flexibility allowing for precise builds.
Our 3D Printing Methods
>ASS< offers a great deal of printing processes that can satisfy any design necessity. From heat-resistant plastics to metal 3D printing, >ASS< will provide the perfect material and method for you. We can even print components using a soft, rubberlike plastic which is one of our most popular materials for automation needs!
Some of the common printing methods available include:
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) – Using a high-powered laser to sinter small particles of polymer powder, SLS can create a solid structure at low costs per part due to its rapid printing speed and the reliability of its finished product.
- HP Multi Jet Fusion (HP MJF) – A popular solution for plastic injection molding processes, HP MJF uses computer models powered by “voxels” to produce highly accurate prints that are durable and printed quickly.
- Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) – DLS is a type of 3D printing process using liquid resins to create watertight builds with finishes similar to those seen in injection molding.
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) – Similar to SLS, DMLS is a type of metal additive manufacturing where the powder is sintered together but not melted, ideal for printing alloys from materials with differing melting points.
Additionally, a variety of finishes and materials are available upon request.
Here at >ASS<, we offer a large variety of 3D printing capabilities for our customers. we know that each and every mold is unique, that’s why our talented CAD designers will work personally with you to create equally unique 3D printed parts to fit any application you may have. Whether it be nesting, gripper accessories, components, or something else entirely, our staff will design any custom 3D printed part to meet your specifications.
Benefits of 3D Printing:
In this industry, precision, accuracy, functionality, and weight are critical to all applications. With this in mind, >ASS< offers the flexibility of custom 3D printed parts to meet your exact specifications. The primary benefits of 3D printing for automation are:
Lightweight Builds
The materials used in 3D printing are exceptionally lightweight, making them easy to add into any existing system without significantly affecting balance or gross weight. That makes it simpler to plan and design an automated process using 3D parts without needing to account for unnecessary weight you may find with more traditionally manufactured metal parts.
Speedy Production
The number one benefit from 3D printing services is receiving a solution quickly. The time it takes to produce any 3D print is based on two factors: modeling and printing. Modeling can take time, depending on how custom your needs are. 3D models can be easily modified and shared, making it a flexible system for designing new parts.
The speed of the print is determined based on the method of printing used and the size of the part. However, most 3D printed parts can be printed in just hours. No matter how different two print models are, if they use the same method for completion, they can be built by the same 3D printer one after the other with only minimal preparation time. That means you can easily request a variety of 3D prints, even for small batches, singular prints, or prototyping needs.
Lower Cost
3D printing eliminates a great deal of trial and error in the process, and uses material more efficiently. This results in saving money by reducing the time it takes to get a working model and reducing wasted materials in the building process. More importantly, making adjustments to a 3D model allows for more agility than other forms of re-engineering your part, which can save on labor and opportunity costs.
Custom Solutions
Automation facilities large and small often lean on standardized parts to avoid small-batch production and make it easier to replace worn parts. 3D printing makes it easier to plan and produce custom parts designed for unique applications, so it’s easier to get specific with the parts you need instead of trying to make standardized parts work in a highly-custom process.
At >ASS<, we can work with you to design individually-tailored alternatives to our catalog of components, letting you take the lead with parts that optimize your plastic production and manufacturing.
Detailed Designs
3D printers are able to print designs precisely, with SLS producing layers as small as 50-100 microns. This allows for small, intricate designs that other manufacturing processes cannot easily achieve, if at all. For plastics applications, this can open a world of possibilities for achieving fine detail in your finished products!
Functional Designs
Additionally, our 3D printed parts can be equipped with a variety of integrated functions such as hinges, air channels, sensor mounts, and much more. After working with our designers, you will receive a tool that form fits uniquely to your part, without sacrificing weight, functionality, or efficiency.
Some of our most frequently 3D printed parts include:
- Nesting
- Gripper Accessories
- Sensor Mounts
- Component Clamps
- Holding Brackets
- Nipper Blade Covers
Of course, the possibilities are endless!
How to Get Started with Our 3D Printing Services in Michigan
Ready to start 3D printing parts for your automation needs? It’s easy to get started with >ASS<, and our team is always available to help you from design to quality assurance! Just follow these steps:
- Send us your CAD data and specifications.
- Our design team will create the desired part with all necessary functionality
- Your part will be revised and sent off for printing
- The printing will be completed and delivered in mere days (depending on design complexity)
Questions? Contact Us!
Our designers and engineers are experts when it comes to end of arm tooling automation and 3D printing for the plastics industry and beyond. We’re here to answer your questions:
• Not sure if 3D printing is right for you?
• Have the CAD data but lack the design?
• Not sure what material to use?
• Unsure of what printing method will be best?
• Not sure where to start?
We will assess your application requirements and analyze your CAD data to ensure your 3D printed parts function exactly as desired. We will help you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have about our 3D printing services.
>ASS< End of Arm Tooling for Your Automation Needs
>ASS< End of Arm Tooling knows plastics manufacturing – our tools and systems are uniquely designed to help you achieve the most optimal process for your plastic assembly and plastic injection molding needs. For plastics applications or injection molding applications, our product line provides the most comprehensive offering of all grippers or other end of arm tooling devices you may need.
Our selection of ready, in-stock parts is available to ship. We can also collaborate with you to design custom, made-to-fit solutions for your process, including 3D printing services. Contact us today to get started!