MP Engineering provides 3D printing services for engineering, producing prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and inspection aids for both customers and our own CNC machining work in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Printing sits in the same facility as our milling, turning and inspection, so a design can move from a printed test piece to a machined component without changing supplier. We work with customers across the UK, including Bath and Bristol.
A printed prototype lets you check form, fit and function before committing to machining in the final material. Rapid prototyping with 3D printing is a quick way to make design changes while they are still inexpensive. Customers typically use printed prototypes to:
Once the design is approved, the same CAD data moves to our prototype machining shop, where we produce parts in the production material using Vero and Fusion 360 CAD/CAM. Using one data set across both stages reduces the risk of errors creeping in between the printed and machined versions.
We print custom packing pieces, workholding fixtures and jigs to support machining on our own shop floor. Printed tooling can be shaped closely to the part, is light to handle and can be produced quickly when a new component goes onto a machine. Where a job needs a fixture that will stand up to repeated production use, we manufacture it in metal through our jigs and fixtures service.
We also print holding fixtures and nests for our Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). These locate a component in the same position every time it is measured, which makes inspection of critical dimensions consistent from one part to the next and from one batch to the next. You can find more about our inspection process on our quality page.
To discuss a 3D printing requirement, call 01249 447403, email info@mp-engineering-uk.com or send your CAD files and quantities through our contact page.
