A 3D Printing Success Story with Quality Inspection & Gage
Advantage 3D Solutions
Quality Inspection & Gage
Based in Columbia City, Indiana, Quality Inspection & Gage is a premier manufacturer of custom designed gages serving customers internationally. With over 20 years in the industry they have the experience and expertise to provide you with a product that meets or exceed your expectations. Their products include:
Attribute & Variable Gages
Attribute & Variable Gages
Data Collection Systems
Inspection Holding Fixtures
Side Airbag Fixtures
Quality Inspection & Gage originally explored 3D printing technology to drive costs down, be more agile, and free-up machinist to focus on higher value opportunities. When considering investing in 3D printing, their biggest concerns were the strength of the 3D printing parts, and the market acceptance of 3D printed parts replacing machined parts. After discussing their applications with Advantage 3D Solutions, demoing the technology and getting sample parts produced they decided to purchase a Markforged Mark Two 3D printer.
Markforged Mark Two 3D Printer
- Carbon Fiber Strength - Print Continuous Carbon Fiber reinforced parts on your desktop – stiff, strong, extremely durable, and capable of replacing machined aluminum.
- Built to Last - A unibody aluminum chassis and precision-machined components deliver lights-out reliability over thousands of print hours.
- Precise and Beautiful Parts - Print precise parts with best-in-class surface finish thanks to Onyx, Markforged’s extremely versatile micro carbon fiber filled nylon material.
When Quality Inspection & Gage calculated their payback they projected an ROI of two years. However, once their customers saw the quality and strength of the Markforged parts, Quality Inspection & Gage was able to utilize the technology for a variety of new applications. They ended up paying for the Mark Two in six months and purchased another Markforged 3D printer to help with capacity. Building off of their current success, Quality Inspection & Gage is looking to increase its 3D printing capabilities in the future.
