Case Study: Rapid Application Group achieves 84% faster production and 56% lower costs for TIG welding fixtures with 3D Systems SLS 3D printing

Production Time, Cost For TIG Welding Fixtures Reduced With SLS 3D Printing

Rapid Application Group, a full-production additive manufacturing bureau in Broken Arrow, OK, was hired by a large aerospace customer to optimize and produce TIG welding fixtures. The challenge was to cut fixture production time and cost versus traditional machining while keeping the fixtures heat-resistant, stable and suitable for high-quality welding of thin metal sections.

Rapid Application Group used 3D Systems’ SLS technology with DuraForm GF nylon, applied topological optimization to reduce material and weight, and used 3D Sprint software and sPro™ 60 printers to speed build preparation and nesting. The approach delivered a two-day internal turnaround and produced fixtures that were 84% faster to produce and 56% cheaper than machined alternatives, while maintaining required strength, heat resistance and improved maneuverability.

Rapid Application Group