Jigs and fixtures are used to make manufacturing and assembly processes simpler and more reliable, reducing cycle times and improving worker safety.
Typically, manufacturers machine tooling in metal, either in-house or through outsourced vendors. Depending on the forces experienced by the part, however, it may not always be necessary to produce these tools in metal.
Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing materials have advanced significantly, and there are a number of functional resins well suited to 3D printing jigs and fixtures, including Formlabs Standard Resins and Formlabs Engineering Resins. Manufacturers around the world have used these materials to replace metal fixtures in automated machining operations, electronics assembly lines, foundries, and other production facilities.