How Agile Manufacturing Inc. used a Markforged Mark 2 to improve quality on a Million dollar large platform 3D Printer.
Problem: Diverter lens had an error in the design that caused an improper beam alignment over time. This caused issues with sidewall part quality on the outer limits of the print bed and across the center seam.
Solution: Redesign and retrofit from a cantilever design for the diverter lens to a linear travel design. This solution uses a high precision linear bearing system with the bearing needing to be mounted to a stiff flat frame. Markforged in Action
Mark-2-improved-quality-of-million-dollar-printer
Prototype: Once our technician came up with a permanent fix for the issue he started by designing the rig in CAD. Then we prototyped it using SLA to test the mounts and place it in the machine to verify it will work. The prototype worked but it was not stiff enough as it needed to be stronger than plastic.
Final Part Production: The initial thought was to have the parts machined in aluminum as they needed to be flat to +/- .001” and the lead time was ~2 weeks. Instead we turned to our Markforged Mark 2 and produced the parts with Onyx and Continuous Carbon fiber. We planned to build the set of parts once then create a custom scale factor and build again to get to our tight tolerance but were surprised the parts worked straight off the printer.
Benefits of using Markforged CFF technology.
High-Strength Printing
By reinforcing your parts with composite fiber while 3D printing them, The Mark Two achieves unparalleled strength, stiffness and durability in its printed parts.
Range of Materials
In addition to printing Onyx, the Mark Two prints materials that no other 3D printer can, like Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass and Kevlar.
Total Build time on Markforged Mark 2 = 10 hours 23 minutes
Total Cost of Material = $24.31