3D PRINTED WORKHOLDINGS
USING HIGH-PRECISION SLS (SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING) TO REDUCE LEAD TIMES AND COST
Modern manufacturing continues to exert pressure to be ever more data-centric while delivering more precise parts in less time. Bespoke or prototype components represent a specific challenge due to the limited production numbers and cost expended for ancillary items like workholding.
Central Screw Products has been counteracting the typically high cost of one-off custom components through a workholding recipe that includes 3D printing soft jaws among other custom workholding solutions. This system has allowed us to keep costs low, with shorter lead-times and no reduction to overall quality.
CSP prides itself on being at the forefront of technology in modern manufacturing. We have used 3D printers shop-wide to automate QC inspections and provide set-up jigs and fixtures for our Fanuc Robotic arms. 3D printed workholdings pose new challenges while opening new opportunities to engage with lower volume customers.
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INTERNAL MACROS DEVELOPED FOR STANDARD GEOMETRIC SHAPES SIMPLIFY PROGRAMMING AND IMPROVE QUALITY
PARAMETRIC PROGRAMMING IMPROVES QUALITY & REDUCES COSTS
The original purpose of standard macros was to reduce program variables for repetitively used geometric shapes.
Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) provides ultimate flexibility, but machine programmers often use that flexibility unnecessarily. By developing standard macros for boring holes and machining (extruded) bosses, Central Screw Products reduces cycle times and improves control of critical dimensions including diameters and concentricity.
By identifying the value and potential of parametric design, CSP develops in-house macros for all standard geometries.
Many Engineering CAD packages have made an impact on manufacturing by promoting parametric design capabilities. They allow for the design of a family of products around parameters or variables that can be automated to produce infinite variations of the same core design. By identifying the value and potential of parametric design, CSP develops in-house macros for all our standard geometries.
Now entire families of components can be fabricated in the same work cell without requiring re-programming by a standalone department. This practice saves time and cost while also streamlining manufacturing operations to meet modern parametric design practices.
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