3D Printed and Assembled Engine Duct

Are you only using adhesives to assemble 3D printed plastics? Several other assembly methods can help you create more value with 3D printing.

Combining parts is commonly thought to be a benefit of additive manufacturing. But being able to print in separate pieces often makes or breaks the application. Counterintuitively, Extol sees more applications that benefit from splitting parts than combining them. After printing, the split parts are re-joined with a secondary assembly process. This can be scary because people are afraid of assembly. They think they’ll need to rely on messy and brittle adhesives. The truth is, once you have great assembly methods in your toolbox, you have access to new opportunities to create value with 3D printing.

Many assembly technologies are used to join plastic products made with traditional primary manufacturing processes like injection molding, blow molding, or extrusion. Those same technologies work with thermoplastic parts that are made with 3D printing.