Case study

Prefix: a 73% lighter decal application fixture

Michigan, USA · Automotive · FDM (F770)

Prefix Corporation develops prototypes, mock-ups and concept validation for the automotive and aviation industries. A customer needed a better fixture to apply decals on vehicles.

The challenge

The old tool was a multi-piece assembly of machined aluminum and nylon. It weighed 15–20 lb (about 7–9 kg), tired operators, stacked up tolerances, risked vehicle damage and took long to build.

The solution

Prefix redesigned the tool for 3D printing on the Stratasys F770. The large 13-cubic-foot build volume allowed the main body to be printed as a single part, fitted with standard handles.

The results

73% weight reduction
No assembly and no tolerance stack-ups
Accurate decal placement and less risk of vehicle damage
100% first-time quality on more than 100 units

Application: Decal application fixtures

Replace heavy multi-piece tools with one light printed body and standard handles.

More about jigs & fixtures

Source: Stratasys Application Guide and Stratasys case material. Photo: Stratasys.

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