Compound Press Bends, Punches and Cuts Using 3D Printed Plastic
1 min read
Summary
A YouTube video from Super Valid Designs showcases a 3D printed manufacturing jig that helps create a customised spring connector for the company’s modular, open-source DMX stage lighting rig.
The custom springs connect the lighting modules to a base station and were initially manufactured by hand, but the process was time-consuming and required repeated adjustments, leading to the creation of the spring-loading manufacturing jig.
The device uses 3D printed dies to bend and cut the spring steel to the correct size and shape, alongside a cheap, manually operated arbor press.
While the process is still fundamentally manual, the creator hopes the automation will help inspire others to optimise and automate repetitive manufacturing tasks.
