Unlock Possibilities with Metal Printing
Learn how metal printing can bring your business to the next frontier.
Case Study 1:
Saving more than $30,000 by printing obsolete parts for vehicle braking system
Client Challenge
- Client runs a fleet of old vehicles that it is under contract to maintain and keep in operation
- A key part of the braking was failing and the OEM could not supply without significant cost
- Options for the client included replacing the entire braking system or the engine completely
How we helped
- We scanned the original part and, working with the part drawing, we created a digital model of the part
- Then we worked with the client to select a suitable material based on the original part
- The part was then printed in a metal printing machine
- Part was installed in the client vehicle fleet
Impact
- Client was able to save the braking system and successfully extended use of fleet at minimal cost
- Value to the client was $30,000 to $40,000 based on replacement of 15 sets of hydraulic brake system
Case Study 2:
Replacing custom fit metal impeller for marine company and saving more than a month’s lead time
Client Challenge
- Client runs a small fleet of highly specialist ships, in which many parts are old and obsolete with limited design and drawings available
- Designing and production of an impeller typically takes 6-10 weeks by traditional manufacturer
- We were asked to produce in a shorter time to test 3D printed parts
How we helped
- We reverse engineered the outgoing failed part and created a digital file
- After experimentation we found a unique way to align the part on the print bed with minimal supports so it could be printed in 1 piece
- We printed a set of test coupons in parallel to allow for a complete set of tests, including UT, dye penetrant, tensile strength etc.
Impact
- We were able to deliver a completed impeller in less than 3 weeks
- The part passed all required testing to show it met minimum standards for ASTM cast part
- Value to client was pump working at least 4 weeks ahead of traditional timeframe
- Balancing achieved with 50% less machine adjustment compared to traditional design
