Dash-CAE Stratasys F900
Dash-CAE, a UK-based engineering service provider, has invested in a Stratasys F900 platform as it looks to enhance the service it delivers to such markets as aerospace and automotive.
Stratasys launched the F900 machine last spring at RAPID + TCT, with GKN Aerospace an early adopter of the technology.
Dash-CAE now has three Stratasys Fused Deposition Modelling machines, which, like GKN, it uses to manufacture tooling, jigs and fixtures. It has also found some suitable production applications for the platform.
The company is anticipating demand from the transport sectors to rise, and working to meet those requirements, is enjoying the ability of its 3D printing systems to process production-grade thermoplastics. With its suite of FDM machines, it is providing strong, durable, and dimensionally-stable parts, and can do so accurately and repeatably. The company supplements the performance of the 3D printers with a lean manufacturing approach, and as such, is reporting reductions of up to 85% in production time and up to 90% in the design phase.
Dash-CAE Strat F900
“Our 3D printers are helping us slash development times and costs, while building fully functional parts and production tools,” commented Tim Robathan, Managing Director of Dash-CAE. “Other large printers such as ours may be based at customer sites for internal use only, yet ours is open to all.
“With 3D printing, we can quickly run through multiple complex iterations and save a lot of time. Carbon fibre is very cost-effective, but tooling costs can be prohibitive. Our tooling is the alternative, and we are now producing items up to 1m3 for the chassis, suspension and bodywork. These items are proven and enjoyed by our major manufacturing customers today.”
