Application of the week: Custom gauge

Welcome back to our application spotlight series, where we showcase real-world 3D printed parts that drive smarter, faster, and more efficient manufacturing. Each week, we highlight practical applications that demonstrate how additive manufacturing solves everyday industrial challenges.

This week, we’re highlighting a 3D printed gauge - a seemingly simple tool that plays a crucial role in maintaining quality and consistency on the production floor. Printed on UltiMaker S8, this application was developed by technical engineer Emanuele Maccarinelli at Moval, an Italian manufacturer specializing in custom hot-forged brass components.

Simplifying quality control with 3D printing

When precision matters, quality control tools must be up to the task. That’s exactly why Moval turned to 3D printing to create a custom-fit gauge for dimensional inspection.

Used to verify whether a finished part meets required specifications, this green PLA gauge fits directly onto the target component, confirming correct shape and size in one quick move. Traditional methods of creating such gauges, like machining metal or custom tooling, can be slow and expensive, especially when quick updates are needed.

With 3D printing, Moval’s team was able to design, iterate, and produce the fixture rapidly, all while embedding custom size indicators directly into the part itself.

Fast, flexible, and fully tailored

Printed using UltiMaker’s Cheetah motion planner, this quality control tool was completed in just 1 hour and 49 minutes compared to the previous printer time, which was 6 hours and 34 minutes.

That speed allowed the team to respond quickly to evolving inspection needs on the shop floor, without delays or additional tooling costs.

Key features and benefits

Here’s what makes this 3D printed gauge a smart solution:

Customized for inspection The team at Moval integrated size indicators directly into the design, reducing the need for separate labels or documentation, making it an all-in-one inspection tool.

Quick to produce, easy to modify Thanks to 3D printing, iterations or new size versions can be produced on demand. No retooling, no delays—perfect for small-batch or constantly changing parts.

Reliable and accurate Printed in green PLA, the gauge offers good dimensional stability for inspection use, ensuring the same standards every time a check is performed.

Cost-effective for short runs Instead of outsourcing or machining a custom fixture, the team leveraged in-house 3D printing to cut production time and cost dramatically.

Boost your workflow with the UltiMaker S8

Whether you're producing jigs, gauges, or precision tools, the UltiMaker S8 and S6 printers, enhanced by the Cheetah motion planner, let you move from design to production in record time.

Explore how additive manufacturing can streamline your quality control processes - from one-off tools to full inspection systems.