Case Study: IDEC reduces composite molding lead times and costs with Stratasys FDM additive manufacturing

IDEC cuts preform tool production to 60 hours and saves 67% with Stratasys

IDEC, a leading Spanish provider of composite solutions for the aerospace industry, faced a challenge in its resin transfer molding process. The company needed a preform tool that could withstand high temperatures exceeding 140°C and was non-conductive for a new electrical heating application, which ruled out traditional metals and epoxy resins. They consulted Stratasys partner Wehl & Partner to find a solution.

Stratasys's FDM additive manufacturing technology, using ULTEM 1010 resin, provided the solution. The resulting preform tool could withstand the required heat and pressure, was non-conductive, and offered a smooth surface finish. This approach slashed production lead time from four weeks to just 60 hours and reduced costs by 67% compared to CNC machining aluminum. The innovation also expedited the entire composite molding process, cutting a heating stage from one hour to just ten minutes.

IDEC