Case Study: PBC Linear achieves dramatic changeover time reduction and labor cost savings with 3D Platform's large-format 3D printer

Finding solutions on the shop floor utilizing 3D printed fixtures

PBC Linear, a Roscoe, Illinois–based designer and manufacturer of linear motion products with over 35 years of experience, needed to reduce machine changeover times as part of a lean/SMED initiative. Their bearing-boring machines relied on heavy, CNC-machined magazine racks and complex ramp fixtures that were time-consuming to set up, costly to produce, and ergonomically difficult for operators.

They deployed a large-format 3D printer to produce one-piece, lighter ramps and size-specific magazine fixtures, enabling external loading, longer fixture capacity, and unattended production. The changeover and labor reductions were significant: printing 60 magazine fixtures saved about 780 man-hours (~$39,000), while 3D-printed ramps cut per-changeover time (saving ~728 hours and ~$25,480 annually), improved ergonomics, and effectively replaced at least one full-time tool & die role.

PBC Linear

Denny O.

Senior Manufacturing Manager