Bridge-to-Tooling

Incorporating Screw Threads Into FDM Parts
Screw threads are one of the most common components used for fastening parts in an assembly or attaching pipe tubing together. Here are five ways to incorporate screw threads into Fused Deposition Modeling parts, followed by some useful applications.

Threads directly from the FDM machine
Depending on the pitch and helical profile, it may be possible to design your desired thread right into the CAD file. Typically, large pitched threads on parts used for...

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We are definitely seeng an exciting trend towards the use of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology for end-use production parts.

• 25% of RedEye customers order parts for end-use applications
• 42% of Fortus 3D Production System owners use their system for manufacturing parts (in some frequency)
• Even Dimension 3D Printers are sometimes used for manufacturing

As 15 plus year veteran of this industry, I find it interesting that I rarely use or even here the term "Rapid Prototyping" anymore. The buzz...

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Ok, so maybe not the kind of revolution the Beatles were talking about, but a revolution nonetheless. Revolutionary change tends to start gradually and then snowball. Although we're still in the preliminary stages, a revolution is clearly underway in the manufacture of plastic parts.

Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) is that revolution. Direct from 3D digital data, a component or part is manufactured layer-by-layer via an additive manufacturing machine, without machining, molding or casting.

DDM...

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Additive manufacturing processes are now used for production applications. Manufacturers are using FDM and competitive processes for:

• Bridge-to-tooling
• Custom manufacturing aids
• Short-run production lots of 100 to 2,000

In these applications, accuracy demands are stringent and often expected to be as good as molded parts. Over the last several years, the FDM process has been gaining acceptance as a proven accurate alternative.

For traditionally molded parts, the tolerance range of a thermoplastic or...

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