3D Systems, a leading provider of additive manufacturing (AM) solutions, and Precision Resource, a leader in the production of critical components for the automotive, heavy-duty, aerospace, and medical device industries, have announced a strategic partnership to expand and accelerate metal additive manufacturing.
Combining both organisations’ extensive application expertise with 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing (DMP) platform will allow for a faster path to market for applications in high-criticality industries.
Partnership to Accelerate Metal Additive Manufacturing
Precision Resource will purchase two 3D Systems DMP Flex 350 Dual 3D printers as part of the manufacturing workflow at its AS9100-certified Huntington Beach, California facility. The seamless integration of 3D Systems’ industry-leading DMP technology into Precision Resource’s production value processes, supplemented by 5-axis machine centres and advanced inspection systems, will broaden the company’s portfolio of precision metal forming processes, providing new solutions to meet the changing needs of Precision Resource’s customers and opening up new markets.
Engineers from 3D Systems’ Application Innovation Group (AIG) collaborated with the Precision Resource team to create this solution. Both teams have extensive experience in metal manufacturing processes as well as high-value applications across a wide range of industries.
This engineering expertise, combined with 3D Systems’ DMP technology and Precision Resource’s extensive secondary finishing capabilities, resulted in an efficient and robust end-to-end manufacturing solution for AM parts that met the performance requirements of high criticality components while also resolving lingering supply chain issues via vertical integration.
The DMP Flex 350 platform from 3D Systems is designed for flexible application use, from development to serial production. The quick swap build modules and fast powder recycling help to speed up production, and a central server manages print jobs, materials, settings, and maintenance to ensure 24/7 productivity.
The DMP Flex 350 printers’ unique vacuum chamber concept reduces argon gas consumption while delivering best-in-class oxygen purity (25 ppm). This results in exceptionally strong parts with high chemical purity, better metallurgical properties, and exceptional surface finish. The printer also includes 3DXpert software, which supports the entire additive manufacturing workflow from design to post-processing, allowing for a quick and efficient transition from a 3D model to successfully printed parts.
“We are excited to partner with 3D Systems, a company that shares our dedication to excellence and innovation. This partnership allows us to leverage the latest advancements in metal additive manufacturing, further positioning Precision Resource at the forefront of technological progress.”
– Chris Gratton, General Manager, Precision Resource
Gratton added, “This expansion into metal additive printing underscores Precision Resource’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional value to our clients, customers, partners, and stakeholders. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we remain dedicated to our mission of excellence and continuous improvement.”
According to Jeph Ruppert, vice president, technical business development, 3D Systems, “Manufacturing parts for high-criticality industries require precision without compromise. Companies focusing on these areas require constant innovation to meet the accuracy, speed, reliability, and productivity demands of increasingly complex production. Bringing together the industry-leading technology and applications expertise of 3D Systems and Precision Resource will deliver increased quality, improved total cost of ownership, reduced time to market, and minimised supply chain disruption. I’m looking forward to seeing how our collaboration can amplify and accelerate the potential of metal AM.”
