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Testing the new Markforged 3D Printer at Kirkstall Precision Engineering

3D printing has been around many years and it is an offering that we have always shown a great deal of interest in here at Kirkstall precision. Rather than rush into investing in this area, we have taken a considered approach to ensure we are able to offer the latest cutting-edge technology to our customers.

Researching the latest innovation in precision engineering.

Over the past 12-months we have really seen the area of 3D printing progress and have been impressed by a wide range of products that we have seen created. As a result, earlier this year, we contacted some of the market leaders in 3D printing and worked closely with them to produce some bespoke sample jigs and fixtures.

Everyone here at Kirkstall Precision Engineering was amazed at the quality and strength of the products created by the Markforged 3D Printer. The technology and innovation in raw materials means that with the Markforged 3D Printer, we are able to produce fixtures with the similar strength to metal.

Investigating the Markforged 3D printer further.

We investigated this further and printed some work holding for our CNC machining centre that would normally be made from aluminium. This would then be machined in-house costing around £150 versus the 3D print costing of £30. The majority of this cost was raw materials as the operator time was very minimal.

The 3D printed work holding held sixty stainless steel components while undergoing high speed machining and maintaining a 0.05mm repeatability. We could see such huge benefits immediately and with assistance from Markforged 3D printer, the installation period was so quick and effortless that we are now merely a month away from commissioning our first printer and the workload is increasing rapidly.

Due to the accuracy, quality and strength of the 3D print, we are already producing some end use products for our customers that have worked very well and have drastically reduced cost, lead-time and has increased performance.

What are the Benefits of 3D Printing

  • Flexible Design. 3D printing allows for the design and print of more complex designs than traditional manufacturing processes.
  • Rapid Prototyping.
  • Print on Demand.
  • Strong and Lightweight Parts.
  • Fast Design and Production.
  • Minimising Waste.
  • Cost Effective.
  • Ease of Access.

More information on our Markforged 3D printer offering

 If you’d like to see how our Markforged 3D printer can help you reduce costs and increase lead-time whilst still maintaining the exacting quality you need then get in touch with our MD Adam Thornton at adam@kirkstalprecision.co.uk or on 0113 2307 844