Read. Learn. Design.

The product development cycle has been changing dramatically due to additive manufacturing. From gathering measurements, designing optimal parts, and rapidly creating parts for testing; additive and traditional design tools are complimenting each other to make going from idea to physical quicker than ever before.

To discuss how these changes are improving design cycles, we developed a case study that uses a combination of additive technology and CAD software to create and modify an aftermarket clip to attach to a truck bed. Two of Hawk Ridge Systems engineers discuss which tools were used and thought process that went into the development of the case study, knowing different technologies will be used. 

Locking pins are commonly used when assembly and disassembly are frequent and needs to be done quickly. Some common uses are vehicle hitches, adjustable scaffolding, telescoping arms, or basically anything with holes that needs a pin to align it. Traditionally, quick release pins are made up of multiple components and are spring-loaded, have a cotter pin, or a swinging wire to keep them in place. 

A quick release pin is used in many designs to keep the holes of multiple components aligned. They are commonly used when assembly and disassembly are frequent and needs to be done quickly. Some common uses are vehicle hitches, adjustable scaffolding, telescoping arms, or basically anything with holes that need a pin to align it. Traditionally, quick release pins are made up of multiple components and are spring-loaded, have a cotter pin, or a swinging wire to keep them in place.  

You may have been using SOLIDWORKS for a while, or maybe you are just getting started. Whatever the case may be, there has never been a better time than now to think about managing all the files that you’re creating. Issues with missing references, incorrect revisions of drawings being used in production, or even overwritten files are all common challenges that are difficult to solve without a proper product data management (PDM) software.

Markforged 3D printed parts are known for looking great and being incredibly strong but are they watertight and airtight? We ended up doing a little experiment to find out the answer to this question using a series of printed pressure vessels out of Onyx material on the Markforged X7 3D printer. Each pressure vessel had different wall thicknesses ranging from 5mm down to 2mm thick. I have to admit, the results were surprising!