
Würth Additive Group has agreed to distribute German manufacturer Kurtz Ersa’s Alpha 140 metal 3D printer – a shop-floor size, powder bed fusion machine that combines innovative technology with simple operation at a low overall cost.
“Kurtz Ersa has been creating well-built and sustainable products for over 200 years. The innovations they have brought to the market since 1779 are remarkable, from their initial business of a water-driven hammer to soldering, to moulding equipment, they truly understand the needs of a manufacturing environment, and we are excited to present this innovation and technology to our customers.”
– AJ Strandquist, chief executive officer of Würth Additive Group
Making industrial 3D printing accessible to manufacturers
More than just being an effective metal 3D printing solution, the Alpha 140 is designed to solve problems for line employees. “As much as we love to talk about layer lines, print speeds, and feed technology, we really have a hyperfocus on the people on the line and believe that they should have access to the technology and should know how to operate it at a very high level,” says Strandquist.
The best 3D printers are just designed for the engineers’ office, but also the tool crib and assembly line. They should also facilitate a simple manufacturing experience that doesn’t require specialized technical expertise.
Impressive range of uses
3D printing has many benefits for the manufacturing industry. For example, although manufacturers may initially embrace 3D printing for prototypes, jigs, and fixtures, it can also be used in production and end-use parts. Moreover, according to Strandquist, “emergency response” is another key application. “An exponential return on investment for 3D printing is its ability to deliver a just-in-time part to prevent a line outage.” That said, 3D printing is set to coexist with traditional technology — rather than replace it altogether. For example, fast and efficient sortation systems still remain key for logistics centers, warehouses, and production sites. Impressive throughputs of up to 20,000 per hour can help ensure an accurate and streamlined manufacturing process.
Eliminating supply chain issues
Supply chain hiccups are a key concern for manufacturers everywhere, something which 3D printing can also help eliminate. “Establishing an additive manufacturing program gives you the feeling that you have more control over the products that are required to deliver your product or service to your customer,” explains Strandquist, who also notes manufacturers are now often opting to reshore manufacturing, bringing both jobs and plants closer to home — therefore saving time, money, and the environment. “By the time you get that great price overseas and you put it on a boat and you put it into boxes and you inventory those boxes, you start to leave little fingerprints of gold every time somebody touches that chain.”
3D printing is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry. The addition of the Alpha 140 to Würth Additive’s existing selection of 3D printers (now four in total) is set to make this cutting-edge technology even more accessible to manufacturers everywhere.
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