The growing 3D printing industry is welcoming a new service bureau into this thriving marketplace.
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the convivially-named 3D Printing Ally specialises in designing and implementing manufacturing aids into companies of all sizes.
3D Printing Ally's in-house engineering staff can design drill jigs, masking template, inspection aids, 5s and 6s lean manufacturing aids and other tools that can help make a manufacturing process leaner and more efficient. Project sizes taken on by the company range from 3D printing a single part to designing and implementing an entire range of tools.
3D Printing Ally utilises FDM technology and can manufacture tools out of ABS-M30, polycarbonate or Ultem 9085. Hybrid tooling can also be designed to allow for aluminium or steel details where needed.
With a build envelope of 16” x 14” x 16”, large fixtures can be built in a single piece, eliminating the need to assemble any details. Moreover, 3D Printing Ally's additional services include 3D modeling, 3D scanning, 2D to 3D conversions, bead blasting and - coming soon - a chrome spray booth.
Co-owner Tyler Pope - who has more than 15 years of manufacturing experience in the aerospace industry - commented: "3D printing isn't a new technology, but with enhanced software, revolutionary materials, improved techniques and a collaborative partner like 3D Printing Ally, the world of new possibilities is endless. Producing tools using 3D printing reduces design time, manufacturing time and overall cost dramatically."
