Free 3D printing software helps you design and slice your objects without a cost.Ī free 3D printing software is a program that helps you design, slice or process your STL files to produce a 3D printed object without any cost. (8 lb.) tool provides quick, seamless operation and can be used manually or as a fully automated system.The best 3D printing software is not always expensive, sometimes you can access it without charge. With a cycle time fewer than two seconds, the Automatic Blind Rivet System increases productivity while eliminating operator fatigue. “This tool has been asked for by the transportation industry for 30 years.” “We’ve been pleased that we could do something no one in the industry has been able to do,” Fulbright said. Not only are parts accurate, but they are also machinable, paintable and have good chemical resistance. Twenty-five percent of the production hand tool is manufactured in DuraForm® Plastic, a testament to the plastic’s excellent mechanical properties, elevated temperature resistance and smooth surface finish. “If the 3D Systems’ technology wasn’t available, I would have needed a million more dollars and with all the intricate parts, less it would not have been possible to complete the riveting tool,” Fulbright said.
In hindsight, Cheetah Tool saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in tooling and shortened their time to market by months. “By combining David Fulbright’s design skills and willingness to design for the SLS® process, and Harvest’s technical ability to customize production to meet his specific needs, we were able to produce a very good final product.” “This was one of the more demanding production applications because it required aesthetically finished exterior parts, as well as structural interior components,” said Ron Clemons, director of business development at Harvest. The company relied on Harvest’s long-time RP experience to overcome the technical challenges of manufacturing complex geometries from lightweight plastics. Using the quick and cost-effective flexibility of SLS® technology, Cheetah Tool performed four design iterations to make the rivet system easier to assemble, more reliable and perform at an optimal level. We had astronomical savings in time and money by using SLS® technology and DuraForm® Plastic.” “We put the phrase ‘Rapid Prototyping’ to work. “3D Systems’ sintering technology provided by Harvest helped us design and create very complicated parts in days instead of weeks or months,” Fulbright said. Looking for light-weight material options, faster results, parts consolidation and design freedom, Cheetah Tool began working with a 3D printing consultant and service provider Harvest Technologies (Belton, Texas). “Typically, you have to machine every part at $60 to $250 per part, and you don’t get it right the first time.” “It’s a complicated hand tool with many functions inside it,” said David Fulbright, founder of Cheetah Tools (Waco, Texas).
The start-up company created its early prototypes totally through machining, with components made from metal and plastics. "If the 3D Systems' technology wasn't available, I would have needed a million more dollars and with all the intricate parts, it would not have been possible to complete the riveting tool." - David Fulbright, Cheetah ToolsĬheetah Tool, founded in 2003, hoped to bring high-speed technology to industrial, high-strength blind rivet fastening systems. They used 3D Systems SLS® 3D printing technology to design and build durable, light-weight production parts with the help of a preferred parts service provider. Cheetah Tool Systems develops and manufactures high-speed blind rivet fastening systems.