Case study

Valeo: inspection fixture cuts check time from 25 minutes to 20 seconds

Paris, France · Automotive · FDM (Fortus 900mc, ASA)

Valeo is a global supplier of automotive and mobility components. A supplied HVAC heat exchanger pipe kept failing to meet specifications.

The challenge

The bent pipe did not align with its junction on the HVAC unit. Every incoming pipe had to be checked. Measuring thousands of pipes a day on a CMM would have been far too slow and expensive.

The solution

Valeo designed a go/no-go check fixture and printed it on a Stratasys Fortus 900mc in ASA. The printer offered the accuracy, fast iteration and size the fixture needed.

The results

98.7% less inspection time per pipe: 20 seconds instead of 25 minutes
83% shorter lead time than a machined fixture (2 weeks instead of 12)
$10,000 saved compared with a machined aluminum fixture
As effective as a CMM, with zero defects after supplier improvements

Application: Inspection & check fixtures

Fast, repeatable checks close to the line, without tying up the CMM.

More about jigs & fixtures

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

Want to explore this application?

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