Polymer specialist, igus UK, has launched a new rapid machining service – speedicut – where custom designed components can be manufactured and delivered in 24 hours.  As there are no minimum order quantities, speedicut is a cost-effective way of specifying one offs, prototyping and low volumes of components used in a variety of applications including medical technology, custom machine fabrication, maintenance engineering and plant engineering.
 
Like the proven speedigus rapid tooling system, speedicut uses a 2D or 3D model to produce a fast quotation, and parts can then be delivered within 24 hours.   speedicut is a quick and easy process: engineers simply share their design, which can be a 2D or 3D CAD drawing, with igus experts via email or upload at www.igus.co.uk/speedicut, and specify material and requirements such as temperature or chemical resistance.
 
igus then sends the engineer a quote within 24hours and the advanced speedicut machining cell produces parts and delivery in the lead time selected, with options ranging from one to 10 days for 100 pieces.
 
“speedicut is an exciting new machining service which has been introduced to complement our speedigus rapid tooling system, for parts that are more suited to machining than moulding,” says Matthew Aldridge, director at igus UK. “For very low quantities it makes economic sense to machine parts in preference to moulding, and using our standard igus stock bar materials, along with a hi-tech machining cell, custom-designed complex parts can be produced very quickly.”
 
Typically, the materials used in traditional rapid prototyping methods are developed for ease of manufacture, rather than for long life. However, the speedicut and speedigus services use igus materials such as iglidur tribological polymers, which are designed for long life and durability.   iglidur materials are maintenance and lubricant free and have a low coefficient of friction to deliver reliable high performance over a long service life.  In addition, the useful life calculation programs offered by igus can be used to optimise material selection.
 
speedicut machining can achieve the same tight tolerances as speedigus.  When a 2D drawing is submitted, speedicut uses the tolerances quoted on the drawing (any differences would be mentioned on the quotation).  If a 3D model is submitted, the expected tolerance for a dimension on a well-designed part is +/- (0.1 + 0.005mm/mm). For example, a length of 10mm would have a tolerance of +/-0.15mm.
 
The cost of the speedicut service depends on the material and the part, but can be as little as £1.50 per part.  As speedicut is a machining process there is no tooling set up cost, which makes it extremely economical for low volume manufacturing.
 
Whether it’s concept or prototype, or from low volume to high volume parts, igus has a full service offering, taking engineers from start to finish with its speedicut, speedigus and volume production services. For further information about speedicut and to receive a quotation, simply email requirements to speedicut@igus.eu, visit www.igus.co.uk/speedicut  or call igus directly on 01604 677240.