USA & Canada
USA & Canada
Case Study

Graco Takes Design to the Next Level with Stratasys F370®CR Composite 3D Printer


Graco Takes Design to the Next Level with Stratasys F370®CR Composite 3D Printer

Graco Inc. produces ergonomic tool handles faster & easier with Stratasys' F370®CR composite 3D printer and FDM® Nylon-CF10 thermoplastic.

 

About Graco Inc.

Graco Inc. supplies technology and expertise for the management of fluids and coatings in both industrial and commercial manufacturing applications. Graco Inc. designs, manufactures and markets - systems and equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray fluid and powder materials.

 

The Tooling Challenge Graco Faced

Paint sprayers on Graco’s assembly line require pressure control checks. The hand tool to adjust the pressure incorporates splines to engage and turn the control knob. However, the splines on the existing ABS plastic tool typically wear out after repeated use. This requires the manufacture of new tools regularly. The desired solution was an easily fabricated new tool with extended life that did not have to be machined.

Composite 3D Printing: Graco's Solution

With the acquisition of a new F370®CR composite 3D printer, Graco engineers opted to print the tool using FDM® Nylon-CF10 thermoplastic. This material is filled 10% by weight with chopped carbon fiber, providing it with greater strength and toughness than ABS.

Overall, 3D printing the hand tool resulted in a more cost-effective solution and provided greater design freedom. It allowed for a faster and easier production of an ergonomic handle compared to the traditional machined alternative.

Graco Hand Tool Use Case

Read the complete use case!

Download the case study and discover how Graco printed an ergonomic handle faster & easier with the Stratasys F370®CR composite 3D printer and FDM® Nylon-CF10 thermoplastic.

Related Content

future proof webinar banner image with ssys logo.png

Welcome to the Future of 3D Printing

Explore the future of 3D printing with our webinar. Discover innovations, enhance efficiency, and stay ahead in your industry with Stratasys

View more
Gosiger - FDM Manufacturing - Use Case

A Successful Customer Example of 3D Printed Soft Jaws

In this post, we look at how Gosiger, a leading machine tool and manufacturing systems provider, opted for 3D printed soft jaws instead of machining them.

View more
3D Printed from Nylon-CF10 using Stratasys FDM Technology - 3D Printing Solutions.

Why You Should Consider 3D Printing Soft Jaws Instead of Machining Them

3D printed CNC fixtures such as soft jaws save time and money. Learn more about the benefits of additive manufacturing with Stratasys 3D printing solutions.

View more
future proof webinar banner image with ssys logo.png

Explore the future of 3D printing with our webinar. Discover innovations, enhance efficiency, and stay ahead in your industry with Stratasys

Gosiger - FDM Manufacturing - Use Case

In this post, we look at how Gosiger, a leading machine tool and manufacturing systems provider, opted for 3D printed soft jaws instead of machining them.

3D Printed from Nylon-CF10 using Stratasys FDM Technology - 3D Printing Solutions.

3D printed CNC fixtures such as soft jaws save time and money. Learn more about the benefits of additive manufacturing with Stratasys 3D printing solutions.