Cheetah Tool Systems (Waco, TX) developed a revolutionary new riveting system using rapid prototyping to quickly and inexpensively evolve the design. They partnered with parts service provider Harvest Technologies (Belton, TX), and tested custom-built sintered plastic parts built from 3D Systems’ (Rock Hill, SC) DuraForm® Plastic for its patented Automatic Blind Rivet System.

“We put the phrase ‘rapid prototyping’ to work,” said David Fulbright, founder of Cheetah Tool. “Complicated designs, functional parts that handled stress, several iterations—the properties of DuraForm Plastic are remarkable. We had astronomical savings in time and money by using selective laser sintering (SLS®) technology and DuraForm Plastic.”

DuraForm Plastic is used to directly manufacture more than a dozen parts in the final riveting tool.

Design Freedom leads to Revolutionary Design

Looking for design freedom, parts consolidation, more lightweight material options and faster results, Cheetah Tool began working with Harvest, a 3D Systems’ preferred parts service provider. “3D Systems’ sintering technology helped us design and create very complicated parts in days instead of weeks or months,” Fulbright said.

Using the quick and cost-effective flexibility of SLS technology, Cheetah Tool performed four design iterations to make the rivet system easier to assemble, more reliable and functionally faster. The company worked especially close with Harvest to overcome the technical challenges of manufacturing complex geometries out of lightweight plastics.

Cost Savings and Quicker Time to Market

Twenty-five percent of the production hand tool is manufactured in DuraForm Plastic, a testament to the excellent mechanical properties, elevated temperature tolerance and nice surface finish capability of the thermoplastic. Not only are parts accurate, but they are also machinable, paintable and have good chemical resistance.

“We’ve been pleased that we could do something no one in the industry has been able to do,” Fulbright said. “This tool has been asked for by the transportation industry for 30 years.”

With a cycle time of less than two seconds, the Automatic Blind Rivet System increases productivity while eliminating operator fatigue. The 8 lb. (3.6 kg) tool provides quick, seamless operation and can be used manually or as a fully automated system.