Manufacturing relies heavily on specialized tools, jigs, and fixtures for assembling and testing robots. 3D printing allows these to be created in hours.
intro
Requirements and Technologies
High strength, wear resistance, and precision. CFF (Continuous Fiber Fabrication) and FDM with composite materials are favorites.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Drastic reduction in lead time (from weeks to days)
- Tool weight reduction
- Easy replacement upon breakage
- Cons:
- Cannot withstand extreme loads like solid steel
- Requires careful design aligned with layer orientation
Production Process
- Day 1: Identifying the need on the assembly line.
- Day 2: Designing the jig.
- Day 3: Printing with carbon-reinforced material.
- Day 4: Integration into the manufacturing process.
Cost Breakdown
- Industrial FDM/CFF Printer: 15000
- Carbon fiber and materials: 2000
- CAD Software: 1000
- Total: 18000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:
Can a 3D printed jig replace a metal one?
A:
In 80% of cases yes, especially if reinforced with continuous carbon fibers.
Q:
How long do they last?
A:
With proper design and material (like Nylon+CF), they can last for thousands of cycles.
Q:
How is accuracy guaranteed?
A:
Through calibrated industrial printers and potential post-print CNC machining of critical contact points.
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The full picture
This article is one page from The Big Book of 3D Printing: 704 illustrated pages covering every technology, material and fix in one reference.
Read it on Kindle →Engineer, author of The Big Book of 3D Printing and additive manufacturing expert
Updated on 27 June 2026
This article was written with AI assistance; the facts were checked against the sources on 27 June 2026.