Mindset: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a forethought rather than an afterthought in response to a problem or limitation with the status quo. Acist includes FDM in the thought process at the start of any project or action. It asks itself what it could do differently and what are the advantages.
This mindset opens the door to new applications and prevents the limitations of conventional processes from being artificially applied to 3D printing. Example: Acist identifies candidates for production before beginning product design, which allows them to leverage design freedoms.
Ubiquity: Acist never looked at FDM as just a tool for design evaluation. It kept an open mind, always looking for new applications throughout its operations. The result: Acist uses FDM for industrial design, functional testing, fixture making and manufacturing production parts.
“We never pigeon-holed ourselves. We like to use FDM for everything,” said David Scott, manufacturing engineering manager.
- Rapid product change — manufacture new designs shortly after customer input from test units.
- Delay tooling investments — small production runs to perfect the product before cutting tools.
- Digital inventory – print replacement parts as needed instead of stocking them.
- Reduced part count – consolidate several components into one item.
- Optimized designs – cases designed around the electrical and mechanical components.
“FDM is saving us time and money everywhere in our operations. We have invested so much in this technology; we really live by it,” said Scott. With the right product and right production volumes, FDM can solve many problems, he concluded.
Learn more: Download the case study and watch the short video.