Customer Profile
Graco Inc. provides technology and expertise for fluid and coatings management in various industrial and commercial applications. They develop, manufacture, and market systems and equipment for the movement, measurement, control, dispensing, and spraying of fluid and powder materials.
Challenge
Graco needed prototype sheet metal brackets for a gasoline-powered motor. Conventional machining of forming dies — internally or outsourced — would take ~4 weeks, risking the production timeline.
Solution
Engineers 3D printed forming dies on an F370®CR composite printer using FDM® Nylon-CF10.
FDM® Nylon-CF10 is a carbon-filled thermoplastic. The solid-printed die set shaped 14-gauge (0.075 in) carbon steel under ~0.8 tons of pressure. Chopped carbon fibers increase stiffness and rigidity for forming operations, while the smooth as-printed surface reduces friction between tool and sheet metal.
Discover the key benefits and features of Stratasys F370CR Printer or choose our AM Consultancy Service to manage your entire product development process.
