Using 3D printing to modernize metal forming

Metal Forming Die, 3D Printed

Would you be interested if your next metal forming die could be made or purchased for 80% less than its regular price? Would you be interested in learning more if you could obtain it 80% more quickly and at a cheaper price? These figures are accurate. These are from a tier-one aerospace supplier and are real data points. They achieved such results by using a Fortus 450mc to 3D print a metal forming die for one of their applications as opposed to using the conventional method. Explore all that FDM technology has to offer; it's not necessary for it to be made from a Fortus 450mc.

Technology of Materials for 3D-Printed Metal Forming Tools

The prevalent belief regarding 3D printing is that it is only a tool for prototyping and cannot be used in manufacturing, much less metal-forming activities. But the truth is that, whether using braking presses or hydroforming, polymer technology offers some extremely high-strength, high-performance polymers that can shape quite heavy gauge metals.

To mention a few, PEIs (polyetherimide), polycarbonates, and carbon-filled nylons are available. So, it is not an exaggerated assertion but a reality that fabricators seeking to increase productivity and save costs have repeatedly demonstrated. In full openness, traditional metal tools are not totally replaced by 3D printed metal forming tools. For instance, rigid tooling is still necessary for high-volume production.

There are circumstances, nonetheless, in which 3D printed tools significantly outperform metal ones. Common applications for 3D printed forming tools include short-run manufacturing, hard-tool design validation, and bridge-to-production.

Read more about the Aerospace Provider that obtained 80% of cost savings. Are you interested in learning more about the data point we mentioned in the first paragraph?

Read on to learn more about this use case