Page 3 - Davidson News - 2019 Q4

CI: Advanced Technologies

Safety is always a top priority when it comes to 3D Printed Fan Blade Saddles
designing fixtures with one of those aspects being weight.

Since most fixtures are made of plywood, weight

reduction is achieved by cutting away as much of the
block or panel being machined. Saddles (universal mount
for fixturing) typically require multiple programs
and setups on the CNC to hollow them out. When the
BAFCO fan blade fixture (for the new robotic sanding cell
– more to come in 2020 Q1) had been designed, 55.4

lbs. was still too heavy; there had to be a better way!
We decided to design these two saddles for additive manufacturing (3D printed

plastics) due to weight reduction and the endless possibilities from this fast-growing
technology. Using additive manufacturing allowed for a reduced lead time, extra features such
as threaded holes, as well as the ability to reduce tool maker assembly time at an unbeatable

cost. The final weight of 31.4 lbs. is 24 lbs. lighter – a 43% reduction!

ECO: Intercompany Plastic Recycling
A branch within the Seating & Distribution Division of Leggett

& Platt viewed our IRT (Innovative Resin Technology – plastic
recycling) video via Leggett & Platts network hub. This video sparked
interest in the ability to recycle their plastic thread spools (pictured
right) that currently are being disposed of rather than being recycled.
A sample quantity of thread spools was shipped from the Plastic Thread Spools
Leggett & Platt Branch in Mississippi to Davidson Plyforms in Michigan
for plastic testing to ensure its characteristics were approved for our
plastic mixture.
Once approval was passed, conversations are taking place to
reveal annual quantities and establishing a value stream in
transporting these goods to be recycled in consumer product!

The Davidson Dizzies

Answer: Read between the lines Answer: Backing up Answer: A pair of pants