3D Printed Plastic Used to Create Devices for Bending, Punching, and Cutting at Compound Press
From the Workbench to the Masses: Streamlining Spring Clip Manufacturing
The DIY spirit took on a commercial twist in this project, as it addresses the manufacture of a spring clip for Super Valid Designs' PETAL light system. The video demonstration below showcases the need, as manual labor struggles to scale up production.
The modular, open-source PETAL lights themselves, being a DMX stage lighting rig, might be worth a separate discussion. This piece, however, focuses on their manufacturing processes, specifically the spring connector.
Manual work with spring steel wasn't cutting it. Hand-made springs required constant tweaks, negating the profitability of such products. Even a partially automated tent-pole spring wasn't satisfactory for [Super Valid Designs].
The solution? A press. 3D-printed dies nestled within a spring-loaded housing, precision-bending the steel to the desired shape. The cutting and punching steps followed in unison, reducing the clumsy process of minutes to a swift moment of lever-action.
Inspired by this tale of scaling and optimizing manufacturing, perhaps the next step for [Super Valid Designs] is the modular conveyor belt system—a potentially life-altering acquisition that could make production smoother and faster.
Although this method remains manually operated, it's worth noting that automation has graced the maker community before. For instance, the coaster-slinging CNC setup showcases such automation. Automation isn't mandatory for every business, though; it's sometimes just about skipping tedious steps in your work, like when piecing together a star lamp.
Insights from the Workshop:
Designing an efficient conveyor belt system for mass producing spring clips like those for Super Valid Designs' PETAL lights entails careful planning. Here are the key aspects to consider:
- Determine the product specifications and production volume.
- Choose a suitable belt type such as modular belts.
- Design the conveyor layout, accounting for tight spaces and complex routings.
- Integrate the conveyor with the manufacturing process.
- Ensure safety, maintenance access, and test the system for optimizations.
To get started, consult with modular belt manufacturers like Elite Vision Belting or Intralox for guidance tailored to your production needs.
- To optimize the manufacture of spring clips like those for Super Valid Designs' PETAL lights, one might consider adopting an open-source approach for designing a modular conveyor belt system.
- As finance plays a crucial role in decision-making, ensuring the budget for a potential modular conveyor belt system is carefully considered, factoring in costs associated with manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.
- In the DIY manufacturing industry, technology's role extends beyond automation; it includes the development and implementation of efficient systems like modular conveyor belts tailored to specific manufacturing processes, such as spring clip production.
