carbon fiber composite 3D printers, such as the Stratasys F370®CR, companies can leverage the benefits of carbon fiber-filled thermoplastics, revolutionizing manufacturing processes through additive manufacturing. In this blog post, we explore three notable stories in which companies have recognized the potential of carbon fiber 3D printing, demonstrating its efficiency, power, and versatility.
Graco: Increasing Efficiency with Ergonomic Tool Handles
Graco, a leading manufacturer of fluid and coating systems, was faced with a challenge regarding the pressure control tool for its paint sprayers. The teeth of the existing ABS plastic tool were wearing out with repeated use, requiring frequent replacement. The company sought a cost-effective, durable, and easy-to-manufacture solution that did not require frequent replacement.
The Solution: Composite 3D Printing with Carbon Fiber
a Stratasys F370®CR composite 3D printer, Graco engineers FDM® Nylon-CF10 thermoplastic, a material blended with 10% shredded carbon fiber, which provides greater strength and toughness compared to ABS. The 3D printed hand tool features an ergonomic handle that is faster and easier to produce and outperforms the traditional machining alternative.
JW Speaker: Rationalizing the production of automotive lighting fixtures
JW Speaker Corporation, a manufacturer of high-performance automotive lighting, was challenged with leak testing its newly developed luminaires. The traditional approach involved manufacturing custom mounts from aluminum, a time- and resource-intensive process.
The Solution: 3D Printing with Carbon Fiber Materials
FDM ,® NylonCF10 JW Speaker tool designers achieved remarkable results. The material mixed with carbon fiber offers increased stiffness and strength, making it suitable for more demanding applications. The Stratasys F370CR composite 3D printer allowed the team to reduce tool production time by 80%, providing greater flexibility in tool design.
Mercury Marine: Faster and more robust custom masking devices
Mercury Marine, a leading manufacturer of power systems for consumer and commercial boats, faced challenges in manufacturing custom masking tools for applying decals to engine hoods. Traditional methods were costly and time-consuming, leading to frequent replacements due to damage and wear.
The Solution: Carbon Fiber 3D Printing Technology
Mercury Marine designers Stratasys F370®CR composite 3D printer used FDM® Nylon-CF10 and FDM® TPU-92A (flexible thermoplastic polyurethane) resulted in a fixture that conforms to the curvature of the engine cover and avoids scratching the surface.
Summary
The combination of 3D printing technology and carbon fiber materials has catapulted the manufacturing industry into a new era of efficiency, strength, and versatility. With carbon fiber 3D printers like the Stratasys F370®CR Composite 3D Printer, companies like Graco, JW Speaker, and Mercury Marine have redefined their toolmaking processes, optimizing productivity, reducing costs, and enabling flexible design iterations. As the potential of carbon fiber 3D printing continues to expand, the technology holds great promise for driving innovation across a wide range of industries. Using this innovative technology is no longer about whether we can print carbon fiber, but rather as an opportunity to revolutionize manufacturing processes and stay at the forefront of development. The production of complex, undercut geometries was made possible in the examples above by the soluble support material used by Stratasys.
The aforementioned companies have already recognized the potential of carbon fiber 3D printing, its efficiency, strength, and versatility.
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