Build Platform
I spend a lot of my time designing objects with 3D modeling software and printing on one of my 4 3D printers. There are a lot of FFF (fused filament fabrication) 3D printers on the market and we have two with large build platforms approximately 12″ x 12″ square. We can also print an object up to 10″ tall.
In the land of 3D Printers “size matters” very much. As more prototyping is being done on 3D printers the larger the build area the more effective they become in making large parts or objects in one print rather than scaling the object down or printing out separate pieces of the object.
The manufacturing business model is much like 3D printing model. You have to create a workable object, product or pieces and then be able to produce in using the fewest number of parts. The larger the production area the greater the efficiency to produce larger parts or assemblies.
Pure Air Systems, Inc. started their business making commercial grade HEPA, fan powered air filtration systems back in 1985 and working out of a garage. There was little room for component parts and filters so much of the assembly was done using outside contractors. While this worked for a while, as the business grew, PAS required more space to start work on prototyping larger systems for their growing commercial business.
By 1998 PAS was moving into a 9,000 sq. ft. building with enough room to stock all the components for its then seven model HEPA systems. The extra space also allowed for more efficient assembly and faster turn out of products. In addition, all of the replacement filters could be stored in the facility so spare filters, parts and units could be shipped from one location usually in one to three days.
As 3D Printing continues to innovate itself almost weekly adding faster printers, larger build platforms and the use of newer, stronger filament materials, it is possible that Pure Air Systems may eventually move into 3D printing or Additive Manufacturing as it is now called, for the production of some of its components. Size does matter.
For more information on the complete product line for PAS please go to our website at: https://www.pureairsystems.com or call us on our toll free number at: 800-869-8025.