Efficiency comparison of 3D printing, CNC manufacturing and injection molding

A design engineer in a mechanical engineering company is under stress. The summer season is just around the corner and the first batch of new drinks vending machines has to be delivered as quickly as possible. But the devil is in the detail: a sliding element with special dimensions is still missing, which the designer has to have manufactured. But which manufacturing process will get him there as quickly as possible? 3D printing, CNC production or injection molding? There is no time for time-consuming research and consultations with various manufacturers. "We have developed the free tribo parts service to support designers in selecting the right process for the individual production of components," says Thomas Rösler, Head of Online Tools at Igus.

While it was previously possible to compare the efficiency of 3D printing and injection molding, this is now also possible for CNC manufacturing. This allows designers to assess the efficiency of the three manufacturing methods in a single tool with just a few clicks in order to reliably find the most economical, fastest and most durable solution for the required special component. "The tool is unique on the market in this form. It offers real added value for customers who need individually manufactured components: whether series parts or spare parts from a quantity of 1," says Rösler.

Online tool compares feasibility, price, delivery time and service life

The tribo parts service from Igus works as follows: Designers only need to upload a CAD model of their component to the Igus website. If a CAD file is not yet available, it can also be created online using an Igus tool. After uploading the CAD model, the user is taken to an overview page where they can immediately see the price and delivery time for all suitable manufacturing processes. Users can find suitable materials by specifying their application - such as ambient temperature, dirt load or surface pressure.

In addition, the expected service life can be calculated by entering dynamic application parameters. This allows the user to identify and compare suitable materials and manufacturing processes even more quickly and order them directly online. Igus also offers an additional service for full transparency: the "Next Best Standard" AI. This examines the uploaded component for similarity to Igus products. If there is a match, the user can switch to the respective online store to select a suitable standard solution instead of a customized solution in the tribo parts service. This saves time and money.

Tribo parts service offers transparency and saves valuable time

The online tool with its extended CNC machining enables users to make process-optimized manufacturing decisions - with full transparency in terms of feasibility, price, delivery time and service life. "In times when development cycles are becoming ever shorter and resources are scarce, the digital workflow of the Triboteile service saves design engineers valuable time," concludes Rösler. "Instead of lengthy research and comparisons, they can concentrate on their core task: developing innovative products."