Custom HVAC Design Process Streamlined with 3-D Printers

 

The custom HVAC design process continues to be streamlined at CAPS with the addition of two 3-D printers! The two MakerBot Replicator Z18s were obtained over the last two years in order to stay on the cutting edge of technology in manufacturing and fabrication. CAPS has been putting the two machines to work, experimenting with exactly what they can do, and CAPS has been pleased with the results. Some of the prototyped parts are used to prove fit and function before being fabricated and manufactured in the shop, while others can actually be utilized as manufactured components.

CAPS Manufactures and Fabricates Custom HVACs Efficiently!

 

 

 

 

 

David Potts, Senior Designer & Design Supervisor at CAPS, gave a short tour and demo on how the whole process works. In-house engineers first design and model the component required using field measurements or customer provided specifications. Then that draft is selected by David Potts and monitored as it prints out on one of the 3-D printers. Each 3-D printed part can take from minutes to days to print dependent upon the part size, complexity and resolution required.

During the printing process, the operation can be paused at any point and the mini-model can be removed from the printer and visually inspected. After inspection it can be placed back in position and the printing process can continue.

What is phenomenal about it, and extremely environmentally-friendly, is a 1.75 MM plastic filament called Polylactic Acid or PLA. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources such as corn or sugarcane. In following with CAPS’ eye towards the future, they have also invested in equipment to take any failed prints, scraps and prototypes that are no longer needed and recycle them into new filament to be used on other prints. David Potts is especially pleased that there almost zero waste from the entire process! It’s an efficient process and truly encompasses what CAPS is all about.

3-D Mini Model to Actual Product!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The custom HVAC design process continues to be streamlined at CAPS! Custom Air Products & Services, Inc. is a full-service HVAC company that specializes in the design, construction, installation, modification, and servicing of industrial and commercial air conditioning equipment. Contact us online or 713-460-9009 for all of your custom HVAC needs!