3D Printed Quality Check Tools
Technical modernity has been a key factor for companies in the recent years
Craftbot XL printer
The Matulay Innovations Kft. in Mosonmagyaróvár primary fulfills 3D measurement technology assignments with its own 3D measurement tools, besides they also design measurement and control devices. At the request of their clients, they also undertake the construction of the designed devices. Many of these are now 3D printed as it is more cost and time effective comparing to the previous solutions.
They were among the first in the industry to work with their own 3D printer as early as 2013. At the moment, they manufacture devices with a Craftbot XL (previous model of Craftbot Flow XL) 3D printer purchased from one of our Hungarian retailers, FreeDee Printing Solutions. Based on their feedback, they are the most satisfied with the Craftbot XL from the 3D printers they used so far.
In 3D printing, they experienced the designer freedom, as well as cost and time saving opportunities, which support them to serve their partners more quickly, flexibly and competent. Material cost are minimized and they do not have to wait for the subcontractor either. All of their 3D printers have quickly brought back their price; therefore it has become possible that in every 1-2 years, they can start working with a new 3D printer model.
During the past 5 years, they could work on 3 different FDM technology machine and an SLA printer in-house. They now rely almost exclusively on the Craftbot XL, as it is much easier and more enjoyable to work with than their previous 3D printers due to its large print space, quiet and reliable operation, and plug-n-play design.
Dust covers for reference holes while printing them with Craftbot XL
Primarily they use it to manufacture the control templates and components for measuring grippers. Usually, they work with PLA or ABS filaments at a resolution of 100-200 microns. The printed pieces are almost always measured and documented to the customers, for which they have 2 measuring arms and a CNC measuring machine. Therefore, they are very experienced in what settings and modelling principles to follow in order to achieve the most accurate results. For independent or 2-piece parts, their Craftbot works with +/- 0,2 mm tolerance, for shapes consisting of multiple pieces, the deviance usually remains within +/- 0,3 mm.
Check out some examples!
This four-piece inspection template is designed to test the shape and length of automotive components such as how rubber tubes bent at different angles. Length tolerances are marked separately on the printed model during design. Previously, these templates were made from POMM, but thanks to 3D printing, 40% weight reduction and 3 weeks less lead time have been achieved. This offers a more cost-effective solution for both the manufacturing company and the customers. In addition, they are also able to produce shapes that are required, but could not have been manufactured with the previous technology.
Calibration of the 3D printed control templateAn example for smaller parts is that the inspection devices they manufacture have 3 reference holes, on which they already print their self-designed dust protection covers.
Reference hole’s 3D printed dust protecting cap
Sometimes completely unique holders are required. These gauge holders are also made with 3D printing, but before they are used 2 magnets are placed into them.
This meter holder was also printed by Craftbot XL
What is the company’s plans for the future with 3D printing?
Dávid Matulay, the manager of Matulay Innovation Kft. shared with us: „We are looking forward to the Craftbot 3 (previous model of Craftbot Flow IDEX XL) double-head 3D printer’s XL version and we are also interested in other, non-FDM technology machines. SLS technology may be interesting for us due to both the resistant commodity and the minimal post-production requirement.”
