Harper & Simmons Rapid Prototyping

We have recently introduced a Dimension 3D printer. This produces an ABS plastic part from your CAD model, which is reproduced to very good accuracy. It can produce a part which is good enough to use in fit up trials, and we use the system to build reference gauges to enable us to develop difficult to measure formed sheet metal components. A good example of this is the steel stiffeners used inside weather seals.

Build times are generally between five and ten hours, so usually parts can be produced overnight. Parts larger than the machine envelope can be cut up and dovetailed together, and glued using superglue or solvent adhesive.