Producing 'Unmoldable' Parts with 3D Printing
Additive manufacturing helped deliver an intricate design not limited by traditional manufacturing constraints.
December 24, 2020
In the Virtual Engineering Week presentation, How Do You Prototype & Produce the Unmoldable?, the story of producing a difficult-to-mold consumer product using 3D printing technology was told from three perspectives—the product OEM, the component manufacturer and printer, and the 3D printing technology supplier.
Gage Cutler, owner of FinMan Fishing Innovations, had a great idea for a new product that would help address concerns people encounter when fishing. This is no fish tale—it is the story of additive manufacturing technology delivering a flexible, durable, intricate product that may not have been possible with traditional manufacturing.
The FinMan Original is a rod-mounted tool that slices, snips, and stows gear. It has an intricate design, which made manufacturing a challenge. “For reference, the parts are around 1¾ in. long, around ½ in. tall, and just by looking at it, you can see there's a ton of detail,” Cutler said. Another big requirement for the product is that it be flexible, yet strong.
Aesthetics were also a consideration as the product is meant to look like a fish.
When it came to manufacturing the FinMan, Cutler said he and his engineer did not want to be limited by traditional manufacturing constraints that would have taken away from both the functionality and the aesthetic qualities of the product.