CMM fixtures are used to hold parts in place as they are being measured by a CMM. These measurements help ensure the manufacturing process is working as planned, and parts are meeting their dimensional specs. The traditional way parts are held in place for measurement is a combination of clamps, posts, and stops. But with composite reinforced 3D printed fixtures, we can create a lightweight, sturdy, more functional fixture suited precisely for your part.
The below graphic shows real data is from a Markforged case study regarding a US aerospace company.
The reason these time and cost savings could be realized in the first place was because the 3D printed CMM fixture actually worked. This can’t be said for all 3D printed parts. In fact, many other 3DP materials would not meet the strength and stiffness requirements while still providing the cost savings. The Markforged fiber reinforced Onyx parts also provided a non-marring surface for the aerospace components to sit in. This helped prevent the occasional scratched part.
Engineers at this aerospace company had been looking for ways to avoid bottlenecks like CMM fixtures. Once they discovered the fiber reinforced 3D printed parts as a functional, cost effective alternative, they haven’t looked back.
