Application of the week: Custom welding fixture

Welcome back to our application spotlight series, where we highlight innovative 3D printed solutions solving real-world industrial challenges. Each week, we explore how 3D printing helps manufacturers cut costs, save time, and bring more flexibility to production processes.

This week, we’re turning up the heat with a behind-the-scenes look at a 3D printed welding fixture used by our customer ERIKS. While welding and 3D printing might seem like unlikely partners, ERIKS is proving that with the right tools and materials, they’re a perfect match.

Welding fixtures for any occasion

Jigs and fixtures are essential for holding components in place while maintaining alignment throughout the welding process. But when parts vary in shape, size, or volume, traditional fixtures can be expensive and time-consuming to make. That’s where 3D printing steps in.

Using the UltiMaker S5 and "ERIKS Blue" PETG, ERIKS is creating fully customized welding jigs - tailored to each job.

ERIKS is also exploring modular fixture systems: interchangeable straight sections, T-sections, corners, and custom shapes that fit together like a puzzle. Need to adapt your setup? Just swap out the parts - no waiting, no delays.

Built for heat, built for speed

Worried about high welding temperatures? For heat-sensitive environments, switching to a high-temperature material like UltiMaker PET CF ensures fixtures can handle the stress while delivering long-lasting durability.

Key features and benefits

Here’s why ERIKS’ welding fixtures are a standout example of smart manufacturing:

Fast, flexible fixture production

Thanks to in-house 3D printing, custom jigs can be designed and produced within hours, not days or weeks. When every hour counts, that’s a game changer.

Modular, puzzle-like design

Operators can assemble fixtures from modular sections, adapting to different weld jobs with ease. It’s like building a custom toolset - piece by piece.

Imprinted instructions

Thanks to 3D printing, custom labels were made possible. Clear, embedded labels or instructions help ensure proper setup and minimize errors.

Material versatility

From tough PETG to high-performance PET CF, selecting the right material for the job is made possible with versitle options of filaments.

Powered by the UltiMaker ecosystem

ERIKS uses the full UltiMaker ecosystem: Cura for slicing, the UltiMaker Marketplace for verified materials and plugins, and the Digital Factory Enterprise edition for centralized management across teams and locations.

Unlock smarter welding with UltiMaker

The welding fixture success story is just one example of how additive manufacturing can elevate your production line. Whether you're building modular jigs or need custom tooling on demand, the UltiMaker S series gives you the power to produce consistent, industrial-grade parts quickly and affordably.