Founded in 1946, Fender has made a name for itself as one of the greatest manufacturers of guitar and guitar-pertaining paraphernalia in the world. In the last few years, they have embraced 3D printing as an increasingly important part of their mission to produce the best quality equipment, significantly improving the manufacturing process. Their in-house design centre’s use of Stratasys’s Objet Eden350V 3D has made their time to market by almost 40% faster.

For instance, the Fender Passport has recently been re-released as an all-in-one transportable PA system, with their R&D department applying 3D printing to making the Fender Passport’s special housing pieces. This enabled Fender to do sound and heat test and install electronics and speakers ahead of the tooling process, making the project notably more cost effective.

Furthermore, Fender was able to half the length of their market timetable for the G-DEC amplifier by 3D printing smaller pieces likes knobs. The G-DEC was subjected to several design iterations before reaching the market just six months after the unveiling of the original idea; conventional means of design would have needed 12 months.

3D printing has also enable between Fender’s R&D and marketing departments to work more closely together. As opposed to presenting marketing department with a drawing or a diagram, the R&D department can now demonstrated a physical product.

The field of guitars and music equipment is another, albeit distinct, application of 3D printing. Fender’s promotion and realisation of this technology can only add weight to the compelling and genuine benefits of 3D printing.

3D printing is an amazing tool. It can grow your small business or start a mini revolution in an industry. Explore what it can do for you when you contact us today.