3D Printing Capabilities

MJ Engineering has both a metal and plastic 3D printer with very different capabilities. The Markforged Metal X can print Copper, Tool Steel, and Stainless Steel while the Mark 2 printer uses Onyx, a nylon based filament with reinforcement. This printer can reinforce with Carbon Fiber, Kevlar, and Fiberglass materials. MJ Engineering initially used the printers for prototyping and simple bracket mounts, but we have found the strength and quality of the prints could be used more extensively in our projects. We are now printing spare parts, upgrades and finished products for current and past projects. This has directly affected MJ’s ability to reduce the cost and lead time for projects.

For our most recent project, we utilized the Mark 2 printer for numerous parts. We printed the EOAT gripper fingers, a funnel assembly for placing the straws into the bottles, and a complex design for spring-loaded bottle crowders. For more information on the usage of the 3D printed parts see the pick and place straw cell article (Click here).

A powerful capability we have with our printers is the ability to insert hardware into the parts. Hardware such as nuts, bolts, pins, and springs can be embedded in the part. This can allow complex designs that would be impossible to machine, but make assembly easier, isolate wearable features, or add functionality directly where you need it.

The ability to 3D Print ready-for-use parts has expanded MJ Engineering’s capability to reduce lead times and costs for customers’ projects. We keep finding innovative ways to design and use 3D printed parts to create solutions for difficult problems. To see if the printer could help you and your company, please contact us today for a quote and print.