Case Study: Christopher Tool achieves faster, more accurate inspections with Stratasys 3D printed CMM fixtures

Christopher Tool cuts CMM reload times from 3 minutes to seconds with Stratasys

Christopher Tool and Mfg. Co., a family-owned manufacturer of machined parts, faced challenges with its inspection process. Using traditional methods to fixture parts for coordinate measuring machine (CMM) inspections was time-consuming, not repeatable, and risked introducing measurement errors. To address this, the company turned to Stratasys for a solution.

Stratasys implemented a solution using its F370 printer and ABS thermoplastic material to produce 3D printed CMM fixtures. This approach allowed for custom, complex fixture designs that held parts in optimal positions for inspection. The results were significant, achieving faster inspections, improved accuracy, and easier setup. Reload times for parts were reduced from an average of three minutes per part to just seconds, leading to substantial labor and cost savings for Christopher Tool.

Christopher Tool and Mfg. Co.