Lesson goal
Spot manufacturability issues at the design stage and know when 3D printing is the right process.
2 videos
1 exercise
Beginner
Prerequisite: Sketching learning path
1. Watch the videos
Dassault Systèmes videos hosted on MySolidWorks: they open in a new tab and a free account is enough. Watch them in order.
Getting Started with DFMXpressSet the geometric rules and spot features that are hard to machine, bend or mold.↗ Additive Manufacturing IntroductionSubtractive versus additive, costs and capabilities of the main 3D printing processes.↗
2. Key takeaways
DFMXpress checks the part against rules for each process (machining, sheet metal, molding) and flags the features that cause problems.
The rule parameters are set to match your shop: a tool radius or a minimum thickness specific to your machines.
Subtractive manufacturing removes material; additive manufacturing adds it layer by layer.
3D printing makes sense for prototypes, small batches and shapes that cannot be machined: always compare cost and lead time.
Tip
Run DFMXpress before sending a part to the shop or to a subcontractor: a few minutes of checking avoids a drawing going back and forth.
3. Do the exercise
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