We use a Dimension 3D printer to create fully functional ABS plastic rapid prototypes.  Most pieces can be built overnight.  The maximum build volume is 203mm X 203mm X 305mm (8in X 8in X 12in), and the machine has an accuracy of roughly 0.050mm (0.002in). 

By putting down individual layers of heated ABS plastic, the Dimension 3D printer creates a fully usable and functional prototype that can be machined, sanded, or painted to further enhance its appearance or usefulness.

Other than the obvious task of creating rapid prototypes, we can use this machine to create temporary or permanent CMM fixturing.  For small parts, we can create the entire fixture.  For larger parts, we can create individual details that would mount to a base plate. 

This works well for difficult parts that are comprised of free form surfaces, tubes, or other parts that do not lend themselves to simple fixturing.  We can take a solid model of the part to be inspected.  From this, we create a solid model of the fixture holding details that hold the part.  This is easily done in our CAD software.  Then we create the ABS fixture details and assemble.