Customer: MASCHINENBAU
Industry/application area: Packaging machines, brackets, fasteners
Technology: innovatiQ TiQ 2 Plus - industrial 3D printer
Material: PA-CF (carbon fiber reinforced polyamide)

The challenge

A manufacturer of food packaging machines is developing a new high-speed line. This line requires the precise placement of a variety of sensors (e.g. for fill level, presence, positioning) at various points along the conveyor belt and processing stations. Standard fixtures are often not flexible enough to position the sensors at the exact angle and distance required. The sensor positions have to be readjusted every time the machine is converted or the product is changed. The production of metal brackets is too expensive and time-consuming, especially with the large number of variants and adjustments required.

Solution

Customized brackets are developed for each sensor type and each specific installation position and printed from black PACF using the FDM process.

• Accurate fit and precision: The brackets are adapted exactly to the sensor dimensions and the structure of the machine, which ensures precise alignment of the sensors.
• Function integration: Mounting holes, cable ducts and even markings for exact alignment can be integrated directly into the bracket.
• Weight optimization: PACF is significantly lighter than metal, which can be an advantage for moving parts of the machine or for brackets on long booms.
• Chemical resistance: PACF offers good resistance to many chemicals, which can be important in a food processing environment (e.g. cleaning cycles).
• Fast customization and iteration: When changes are made to the machine layout or new sensor models, new fixtures can be designed and printed quickly and cost-effectively. This speeds up development and implementation.
• Cost savings: The manufacturing costs for individual brackets are significantly lower than with traditional manufacturing processes.

Conclusion
Cost-effectiveness: Significant reduction in costs and production time compared to traditionally manufactured fixtures.

Print example: INDIVIDUAL HOLDERS

Printer: innovatiQ TiQ 2 Plus

Material: PA-CF