Can printed tooling really replace machined jigs and fixtures?

For most manufacturing aids, yes, masking fixtures, drilling templates, assembly jigs and holding tools. Workshops run their everyday tooling in PETG and carbon filled nylon; the parts that need metal stay metal, and everything that never did comes off the printer overnight instead of off a supplier in weeks.

Which materials survive heat, sun or chemicals?

ASA holds its shape near 100 °C and shrugs off UV outdoors. Carbon filled nylon (PA11 CF) takes heat and abrasion next to running machinery. PC Blend and PC CF are stiff and heat stable enough for structural covers. For more demanding chemistry and temperatures, ask about the high temp line before committing a design.

How do printed parts fit an audited quality system?

The same way machined ones do: the part and its record are one object. A printed part carries its drawing, revision, material lot and machine like any other item on the part list, printing changes where the part comes from, not what has to be documented about it before it ships.

What about equipment that is already in service?

A part file outlives its production run. A spare designed years ago prints today, one at a time, to the same drawing, which turns an out of production spare from a minimum order quote into days of lead time.

Can we buy through a quote, inside our purchasing process?

Quote based buying is the default here, not a workaround. Ask us about documented origin, material certificates and volume terms for your market, the quote form is where that conversation starts.

Which printer should a team like ours start with?

Most teams start with the MK4S for everyday parts and spares, add the CORE One family where technical materials want a heated chamber, and the SL1S where a cast quality surface matters. Tell us what you make, the quote answers with a machine matched to your parts and scale.

AIX Racing takes the printer to the race

ProblemAt every race, some parts break, and some components or adjustments need to be remade or replaced quickly. A garage stocked from a catalogue can only answer with what the catalogue has.

SolutionThe AIX Racing workshop uses 3D printing to create exactly what the catalog lacks. They produce custom tools like a screwdriver with a different-sized bolt on each side, tailored to fit an individual mechanic's hand. They also print complex components such as uniquely shaped airflow tubes, specialized engine cooler mounts, and custom battery holders. The team relies on PC Blend Carbon Fiber for its heat resistance and durability, alongside Prusament PETG for simple prototypes, Resin Model for detailed models, and Flex for moving parts. To protect their competitive advantage, mechanics cover these printed parts with tape that mimics polished carbon fiber before taking them to the pit lane.Printed onPrusament PC-CFPrusament PETGPrusament TPU

ValueA custom tool tailored to a mechanic saves crucial seconds in high-pressure moments on the race track. Specialized components like custom airflow tubes allow the team to react instantly to whatever the race throws at them. Fabricating these highly specific parts would be incredibly complicated and time-consuming without the speed and flexibility of on-site 3D printing.