The Polish branch of TI Fluid Systems, a developer of automotive fluid technology, is relying on SLS 3D printing to produce functional prototypes and spare parts.
The company specializes in the development and production of fluid carrying systems, as well as fuel tank and delivery systems that are found in vehicles. Using a Sintratec S2, Paweł Pułtorak‘s team prints precise and complex parts to validate their designs.
«The main use of the 3D prints is to verify the shape and geometry of the designed elements before making the injection mold and going into series production», Pułtorak, Head of the design department, TI Fluid Systems Poland, explains. Due to the high requirements for prototypes in the automotive sector, the company decided to invest in a Sintratec S2 – a selective laser sintering (SLS) system. «Other technologies did not allow us to print as precise components as SLS does», says Pułtorak. With the robust Sintratec PA12 material in particular, the engineers can cover the majority of the company’s prototyping needs.
«The SLS parts allow us to assess whether there are collisions in our assemblies», explains the department head. «We also use them during our project group meetings and in functional tests.» Apart from the previously mentioned prototypes, the main pieces printed at TI Fluid Systems are housings, construction and tooling elements, jaws and work pieces to assist with assembly, as well as spare parts for the maintenance department.
The team explained that the precision and strength of 3D printed components play a crucial role in their development efforts. After over two years in use, they have been able to see the economic benefits of the Sintratec S2.
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