From an Engine Port to a Machinable Multi-Axis CNC Toolpath
One of our customers was recently faced with the challenge of needing to machine a complex engine port shape without a CAD model, having a circular cross-section on one end, oval on the other and was bent 90 degrees Due to the bend, the port would also need to be machined, from both ends. Below is a cross section of a similar port with a porting cutter positioned to check the depth we could reach, from one side. It was clear that we would need to address the machining, from both ends. The solution would be to scan the port shape and to then use Design X Go to build a machinable model from the scan data. But that too would prove to be challenging due to the bend in the port. How would we scan this shape when our handheld scanner couldn’t ‘see’ the complete cavity…So we got creative! We added a partition and separated the port into two (2) sections. We then poured each mold section, let the material harden, pulled them both out and glued them together. This exercise provided us with a physical model of the port shape. But how do we now go from this physical [...]
3D Printing Applications for Defense Industries
This whitepaper by UltiMaker explores how 3D printing is revolutionizing defense operations by enabling rapid, cost-effective production of critical components, tools, and replacement parts. Through collaboration with armed forces, the paper highlights real-world applications where additive manufacturing improves operational readiness, reduces downtime, and cuts costs. Key Applications: FRISC Antenna Fixture – Replacing corroding aluminum parts with glass-fiber-reinforced nylon, ensuring durability in harsh naval conditions. Cost Savings: 84% Production Time Reduction: From 6 weeks to 20 hours Navy Cold Water Filter – A PLA and TPU 3D printed filter replacing corroding Inconel parts, saving the Dutch Navy €12,560 per ship annually. Cost Savings: 98% Production Time Reduction: From 2 months to 1 day Rotinor Turbine Wrench – Custom 3D printed carbon-filled PA tool for maintenance of underwater diving systems, replacing expensive steel wrenches. Cost Savings: 98% Production Time Reduction: From 12 weeks to 13 hours Radio/GPS Bracket – Lightweight carbon-fiber polyamide mount for secure attachment of communication devices on military vehicles. Cost Savings: 79% Production Time Reduction: From 4 weeks to 24 hours Gasoline Funnel Extension – Custom polypropylene funnel preventing fuel spillage and fire hazards, offering a flexible and field-ready solution. Cost: €5 Production Time: 6 hours EpiPen Casing – Rigid, durable [...]
Discover the Benefits of HP’s New PA12 S and PA12 FR Materials
In the ever-evolving world of 3D printing, HP continues to lead the charge with innovative materials that enhance the capabilities of additive manufacturing. Two of their latest offerings, PA12 S and PA12 FR, are set to revolutionize the industry. Let’s explore the benefits these materials bring to customers. PA12 S: Superior Surface Aesthetics and Cost Efficiency HP’s PA12 S, developed in collaboration with Arkema, is designed to deliver exceptional surface aesthetics and cost efficiency. This material is specifically tailored for HP’s Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D printing solutions, and it will soon be available for the Jet Fusion 5600 Series. Key Benefits: Enhanced Surface Finish: PA12 S sets a new benchmark for surface aesthetics, making it ideal for producing high-quality, visually appealing parts. Cost Reduction: By optimizing the production process and streamlining post-processing steps, PA12 S significantly reduces variable costs per part and lowers the total cost of ownership. High Reusability: With an industry-leading reusability ratio of up to 85%, PA12 S minimizes waste and contributes to more sustainable manufacturing. PA12 FR: Flame Retardant and High Performance PA12 FR is another groundbreaking material from HP, designed to meet the stringent requirements of industries such as consumer electronics and automotive. This flame-retardant material offers [...]
Selecting an Appropriate 3D Scanner for Inspection
Selecting an appropriate 3D scanner for my inspection requirements Selecting a scanner for non-contact inspection is a very similar process to selecting a new CNC machine or a new 3D Printer. When shopping for a new CNC machine, users likely consider - Machine travel limits Controller/Programming capabilities Number of axes supported - Multi-axis capabilities (reducing setups) Feed and speed capabilities Horsepower Similarly, when selecting a new 3D Printer, users likely consider - End use parts vs conceptual design Materials Part sizes Printer Maintenance requirements Accessibility of materials While other parameters must also be considered when selecting a 3D scanner such as part sizes, there are two main parameters a user must consider. Accuracy Resolution (AKA – ‘Point Spacing’) Accuracy Any metrology-grade scanner must come with a “published accuracy” to provide users with confidence that their calibrated scanner will measure, at least, to the accuracy specs provided. Accuracy is the easier of the parameters to understand. If you consider any scanner as throwing a bunch of points onto your part, the scanner’s accuracy is the +/- distance of those points to the actual surfaces they contact. As a general rule of thumb, the accuracy of the scanner needs to be ‘better’ than your [...]
Cimquest Awarded Top Worldwide Xact Metal Sales Leader 4 Years in a Row
We are so proud to share that, for the fourth year in a row, Cimquest has been #1 in sales Worldwide for Xact Metal! We are thrilled with this accomplishment but of course this is really a testament to a fantastic partnership and an incredible customer base who has been able to adopt and thrive with this unique Metal 3d Printer. What to Know about Xact Metal: Top-Quality Products: Xact Metal 3d printers deliver on a value that no other machine in the industry does. They have stayed focused for years on a simple but scalable system that delivers strong core capability and service. Thye listen to customers and their sales partners and invest in long term value. Independent and Made in USA: The machines are produced in State College PA on the campus of Penn State University. The company is also independently owned and operated so decisions are made based on what is the right thing to do and what is best long term for customers. On top of that Xact Metal is an incredibly flexible, capable and overall easy to work with company. This makes doing business with them a breath of fresh air. Expert Support: Being the most prolific Xact [...]
Revolutionizing Drone Innovation with HP Multi Jet Fusion Technology
Revolutionizing Drone Innovation with HP Multi Jet Fusion Technology At Cimquest, Inc., we’re proud to help businesses unlock the potential of cutting-edge technologies like HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) to drive innovation in industries such as UAV manufacturing. The Challenge: Drone manufacturers often face significant hurdles in balancing weight, strength, and design flexibility. For example, traditional manufacturing techniques like carbon fiber layup are time-consuming and limit design adaptability. Meanwhile, parts created using other 3D printing technologies can suffer from brittleness, excess weight, or visible layering, failing to meet the high standards required for UAV performance and aesthetics. The Solution: By integrating HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology into their manufacturing process, industry leaders have overcome these challenges with ease. MJF’s superior material properties, advanced surface finishes, and precision have enabled drone manufacturers to revolutionize UAV design. With up to 48 MJF-printed parts per UAV, including exterior panels, landing gear, and battery casings featuring lightweight lattice structures, innovation is soaring to new heights. Key benefits of HP MJF technology for drone production include: ✅ Weight Reduction: Achieve up to 25% lighter fuselages, improving UAV flight performance. ✅ Efficiency Gains: Accelerate design cycles, reducing modeling time from weeks to hours. ✅ Exceptional Quality: Produce parts [...]