HellermannTyton is using a Stratasys Fortus 450 3D printer to produce end-of-arm tooling at its Wythenshawe facility. Since bringing production in-house, the cable management manufacturer says it has cut costs and shortened manufacturing cycle times.
The company initially questioned whether printed plastic tools would be strong enough for demanding automated production cycles. With technical support from SYS Systems, HellermannTyton tested tools made from carbon-fibre-filled Nylon 12 in a real-world setting, overcoming its concerns about strength between printed layers.
The Fortus 450 has now produced 38 different tools, which have collectively completed tens of millions of cycles while manufacturing billions of cable ties and bespoke fixings. HellermannTyton reports reductions of up to 50% in tool weight and lead time, alongside cost savings of up to 75%. In-house production also allows the team to make design changes in days, rather than waiting weeks for an external supplier.
The lighter tools reduce the payload on the company’s robots, enabling faster operation and improving output. Maintenance and setup have also become quicker: tasks that previously took two to three hours can now take less than an hour.
HellermannTyton has also used the printer to produce components for the back end of its automated packaging machinery.