The idea of new product introduction is not new to us. It has always been a part of our manufacturing and end-to-end supply chain solutions and a cornerstone of our value proposition that benefits our customers. Now, with the added technology of the 3D printer, we will speed up our production time, enhancing our overall speed to market process.
The recent launch of our newly expanded and improved Silicon Valley Product Innovation Center showcased our 3D printing capabilities.
We pride ourselves in applying the Lean manufacturing Kaizen principle, “double the good, halve the bad, and triple the speed,” and, with the addition of 3D printing as part of simulation processes, we are quadrupling our speed.
Advanced 3D printing technology enables us to take computer-aided design (CAD) drawings from the customer and simulate a three dimensional prototype within hours. This used to take weeks. For customers with a brilliant concept, we can create a 3D drawing and make ‘something out of nothing.’
What makes the process so fast and efficient is the fact that it is actually a printer that prints out the finished product using exactly the same thermoplastics used in traditional injection molding equipment.
The printer gives the customer a tangible idea of what their end result will look like, how much it will weigh, and is capable of demonstrating the functions it possesses. It’s an opportunity to bring an idea to fruition – a true incubation process.
The tooling works like an inkjet printer: instead of two nozzles, the 3D printer has eight and larger ink cartridges filled with liquid plastic resin.
The CAD images sent to the printer are three-dimensional and the image is printed out in layers. These layers build from the bottom up, and each layer is only 16 to 30 microns. To put this into perspective, a single sheet of paper is roughly 100 microns.
Each layer of the resin is cured with ultraviolet light. When the product is finished printing, it is dry and ready to be used in whatever purpose the finished product serves.
This allows our customers to experience the form and function of their products right away. We can validate customer requirements quickly without putting the product into full production, meaning together we can see if there is any interference and what modifications need to be made.
With the help of this technology in the Product Innovation Center, we sped up the time to market by 75 percent!
The 3D printer is one example of our overall ‘simulation’ capabilities.
Test Development, Design for Excellence (DFX), Automation and Industrial Engineering can provide further support in simulating Test conditions, noting any electrical and mechanical interference, planning a one piece flow through high speed automated lines, as well as factory simulation to give a comprehensive view of early design to mass production scenarios.
This summer, our Product Innovation Center will feature a new metal 3D printer providing similar benefits to customers who have metal prototype needs. With both plastic and metal 3D printing capabilities, we have unlimited potential and power to transform every industry while accelerating the pace of innovation.
