Note: This Case is originally released by Raise3D’s reseller Bilby 3D on the Industry Update Manufacturing Magazine.
Open Wiring Systems is an Australian based manufacturer and supplier of custom-made cable assemblies to customers in Australia and around the world. The company has embraced 3D printing to streamline its manufacturing processes, and has successfully integrated Raise3D 3D printers from Raise3D’s Reseller – Bilby3D into its operations.
Wiring Harness Parts Being Printed on the Raise3D Pro3 Plus
Challenges
Wiring Systems specialises in diverse industries, such as defence, rail and road, medical, recreational vehicles and Solar PV, and it needed a reliable solution that would meet its varied needs and provide comprehensive support. Recognizing the potential of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, the Managing Director – Harry Antoguelli, initially experimented with a $5000 3D printer from a different supplier, however, he encountered issues due to the lack of supplier support.
Considerate Service and Support
After the initial disappointment, Harry came to Bilby3D and was introduced to the Raise3D Pro3 Plus. Harry mentioned how a main consideration for purchasing from Bilby3D was that it offers comprehensive support and the spare parts are available from Australian stores, which ensures the long-term viability of its investment. Besides, the Raise3D Pro3 Plus allows the team to set up a print job and walk away, freeing up labour while the machine does the work.
Easy Organization and High Efficiency
3D printing provides Wiring Systems with versatility and speed. The Raise3D Pro3 Plus allows the company to build its own tooling and fixtures in house, increase its organization and ease of use of assembly stations and print sub components for its products instead of ordering slow and expensive injection moulded parts.
3D printed Specialised Tools
Various Practical Applications
Wiring Systems uses the Raise3D Pro3 Plus for various practical applications, including:
- Hand Tool Holders
Having a dedicated and foolproof holder for all the hand tools required at a given assembly station means tools don’t find themselves wandering across the workshop. Always having the required tools for a task at arm’s reach is a simple and under-rated system to decrease assembly time and cleanup. It also streamlines process, which aids with new staff on-boarding.
3D Printed Hand Tool Holders
- Assembly Fixtures
Some stages of assembling a complex product can be made much easier with purpose-built fixtures, which hold a sub-assembly in a given orientation, making it much easier to attach more components, hardware and wiring. Assembly fixtures also help with making a standardized and streamlined process so that all assembly operators are following the exact same steps, ensuring all products are identical rather than having slight differences depending on who assembled them.
3D Printed Assembly Fixture
- Drilling Guides
In the fabrication of some components, precise drilled holes are required. Drill guides are used so that you don’t have to measure and mark each part as it comes through the station. The drill guide is placed over the part and shows where the holes are required.
3D Printed Drilling Guides
- Wiring Harnesses Parts
Wiring Systems also have been using their Raise3D Pro3 Plus to print parts for their wiring harnesses. The 3D printing process enables new design iterations of the parts to be produced immediately and at no additional cost, whereas if the parts were made with another process such as injection moulding, each design iteration is very costly and has a long delivery time.
Shroud for Wiring Connector and Mounting Bracket and Passthrough Hardware
Raise3D has committed to empower companies like Wiring Systems to its advantage in cutting-edge wire processing technology and manufacturing solutions, and will also continue to fuel Innovation in various industries to affordable, effective, and high-efficiency solutions to thrive in today’s competitive market.
This case is shared by Bilby 3D, which is Raise3D’s reseller in Australia.
