3D PRINTING

Case Study: Qrint Studio's 3D Printing Solution for JJDown at Molson Brewery

Client: JJDown

Industry: Brewery Packaging & Manufacturing

Challenge: Molson Brewery operates an advanced packaging line where plastic guide fingers assist in opening boxes, allowing the automated production line to place beer bottles inside. Over time, these guide fingers wore out due to continuous use. However, the original manufacturer of the packaging machine had discontinued the supply of these parts due to the machine's older model, leaving JJDown with a critical operational challenge.

Adding to the complexity, these guide fingers had a unique property known as "position memory." Regardless of how they were bent, they would always return to a precise 30-degree angle, ensuring accurate and efficient bottle placement within the packaging process. Without these parts, production efficiency and bottle placement accuracy were significantly impacted.

Solution: Qrint Studio collaborated with JJDown to develop a modern replacement solution using advanced 3D scanning, modeling, and additive manufacturing technologies. The process involved:

Reverse Engineering:

Qrint Studio utilized 3D scanning technology to capture the exact dimensions and properties of the worn-out guide fingers.

Material Selection:

After analyzing the requirements, Qrint selected Polypropylene, a durable and flexible material with excellent shape retention properties, ensuring the new guide fingers would maintain their 30-degree bend memory.

3D Modeling & Printing:

The team created a precise digital model of the component and optimized it for strength and flexibility. Using high-resolution 3D printing, Qrint produced a batch of replacement fingers tailored for Molson Brewery's packaging line.

Testing & Implementation:

The newly fabricated guide fingers were installed and tested in the production environment. They performed flawlessly, restoring the efficiency of the packaging line without requiring modifications to the existing machinery.

Results:

Restored Production Efficiency:

The newly produced guide fingers seamlessly integrated into the existing machinery, ensuring continued smooth operations.

Cost-Effective Solution:

Instead of replacing the entire packaging system, JJDown was able to extend the life of the machine with a custom 3D-printed part at a fraction of the cost.

Enhanced Durability & Performance:

The Polypropylene material provided durability and shape retention properties that met the production demands.

Sustainable Manufacturing:

By utilizing 3D printing, Qrint Studio helped reduce waste and reliance on traditional supply chains.

Conclusion: Qrint Studio's innovative approach to 3D printing and materials engineering provided JJDown and Molson Brewery with a practical, cost-effective, and sustainable solution. This case exemplifies how modern additive manufacturing can extend the life of industrial machinery and reduce downtime, ensuring seamless production operations.