3D printing is disrupting the traditional manufacturing methods in a big way, especially in hi-tech / custom product manufacturing where the parts aren’t mass produced. Many companies are embracing this 3D printing technology to cut down the lead times and costs. Below is one such company that used 3D printing to reduce lead time by a staggering 97% when compared to traditional manufacturing approach.
Whale, a leading manufacturer of electronic pump systems and gas / electric heating systems for mobile applications has cut lead times by almost 97% through implementation of 3D printers in its production of injection mold tools. Not only the lead time, the company also made huge cost savings compared to traditional methods of production.
The company is using an Objet350 Connex Multi-material 3D printer supplied by Stratasys and through this device the company is able to print injection mold tools in less than 24 hours. The 3D printed injection mold tools are printed using Stratasys’ Digital ABS material and feature distinct properties such as high temperature resistance and toughness. In traditional approach, it would take anywhere between 4-5 weeks to produce the same output and also would incur significant production costs. This led to significant slow down in the launch of new products and R&D.
In addition to the dramatic cost and time savings potential, Stratasys Digital ABS tools also enable companies to produce parts in the real end-product material, ready to test even in the prototyping phase. Customers can therefore make quicker test iterations and bring products to the market faster.
This is yet another application for 3D printing which will save companies time and costs over traditional manufacturing techniques. In some cases, 3D printing is completely replacing the traditional manufacturing process and in other cases, it is complimenting the traditional manufacturing process.
About Whale: Whale® is a well-known brand with a reputation built on decades of high quality design expertise. Whale® has led the way since way back in the ‘40s with ground breaking pump design through to recent innovation leaps in intelligent control electronic pump systems and gas / electric heating systems for water and space in recreational vehicles. Click here to find more information about Whale.
About Stratasys: Stratasys, Ltd. is a manufacturer of 3D printers and 3D production systems for office-based rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing solutions. Engineers use Stratasys systems to model complex geometries in a wide range of thermoplastic materials, including: ABS, polyphenylsulfone (PPSF), polycarbonate (PC) and ULTEM 9085. Stratasys manufactures in-office prototyping and direct digital manufacturing systems for automotive, aerospace, industrial, recreational, electronic, medical and consumer product OEMs. Click here to find more information about Stratasys.