鶹ýӳ / Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:18:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 /wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-fathommfg-favicon-512px-32x32.png 鶹ýӳ / 32 32 Human-First Engineering /blog/human-first-engineering Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:41:41 +0000 /?p=9561 Why Contract Manufacturing Must Balance AI-Generated Quotes with Human Engineering Expertise The promise and reality of AI in complex quoting…

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Why Contract Manufacturing Must Balance AI-Generated Quotes with Human Engineering Expertise

The promise and reality of AI in complex quoting processes


human-first engineering

The contract manufacturing industry stands at a critical inflection point: embrace AI-powered automation or risk obsolescence.

But as leaders rush toward digital transformation, many are discovering that technology alone cannot deliver the outcomes they seek. Truly effective solutions must balance AI-driven quoting systems with irreplaceable human expertise.

Manufacturing has entered what the World Economic Forum calls the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” where AI and automation are reshaping every aspect of production. , 63% of manufacturing organizations have implemented AI in at least one business function, with quoting and procurement among the fastest-growing applications.

The appeal is undeniable: AI in manufacturing promises to transform the labor-intensive quoting process into something faster, more accurate and more scalable. Early adopters report impressive metrics:

  • 40-60% reduction in quote turnaround time
  • 15-25% improvement in quote accuracy
  • 30% increase in quote volume capacity without additional staffing

These statistics paint an attractive picture. But dig deeper into implementation experiences, and a more complex narrative emerges.

The initial rush to AI-powered quoting tools created an industry-wide overemphasis on speed at the expense of accuracy and relationship management. Many manufacturers discovered that while algorithms excel at processing standard configurations, they falter when handling the complex, customized requirements that define today’s manufacturing landscape.

The Limitations of Algorithm-Only Approaches

human-first engineering

The current generation of AI quoting tools has transformed the industry landscape, but not without significant limitations:

Technical Constraints

AI in manufacturing excels at pattern recognition but struggles with the unexpected. Manufacturing quoting, with its endless variables and custom specifications, frequently ventures beyond the parameters of training data. When faced with novel scenarios, many AI systems tend to:

  • Generate misleading quotes with hidden errors
  • Reject potentially valuable business opportunities as “unquotable”
  • Produce quotes with extremely wide pricing bands to accommodate uncertainty

The Missing Human Element

Beyond technical limitations lies a more fundamental issue: The relational aspect of manufacturing partnerships.

Manufacturing isn’t just about producing parts; it’s about solving problems collaboratively, especially during the product design and prototyping process. The most successful manufacturers don’t just fulfill orders. They participate in their customers’ innovation process. That requires human judgment, creativity and relationship building that algorithms simply can’t replicate.

There are multiple variables in every part build. Changes to any one of them may have an impact on the part’s manufacturability and cost. Experienced engineers can help you make the intelligent trade-offs that may be required to meet your part performance requirements at a cost-effective price.

The Emergence of Human-AI Collaboration Models

Forward-thinking manufacturers are pioneering a new path that combines AI efficiency with
human expertise.

The manufacturers seeing the greatest success are those who view AI in manufacturing not as a replacement for human expertise but as an enhancement. The algorithms can handle data processing and basic pattern recognition while human experts can focus on relationship management, complex problem-solving and opportunity development.

Reimagining the Manufacturing Partnership

human first engineering

This human-AI collaboration model represents more than a technological approach. It reflects a fundamental rethinking of the manufacturer-customer relationship.

Rather than positioning manufacturers as interchangeable vendors differentiated only by price and delivery speed, it elevates them to strategic partners in their customers’ success. In particular, the right advice can help the customer bring their new product to market faster and save them money, too.

“The future of work is a partnership between humans and AI, where each enhances the other’s strengths. AI in manufacturing excels at processing data and handling repetitive tasks, while humans bring critical thinking, emotional intelligence and creativity. Together, they create a powerful synergy that combines efficiency with thoughtful decision making,” , Executive Vice President, Global Head of SaaS & Commercial Applications, Digital Business Services, HCLTech.

The companies embracing this philosophy are transforming their quoting process from a transactional hurdle into a value-adding consultation. They’re using AI in manufacturing to process routine aspects while focusing human expertise on:

  • Understanding the strategic context and design intent behind the customer’s new parts
  • Identifying optimization opportunities that are often invisible in specifications
  • Suggesting alternative approaches that might better serve customer objectives
  • Building relationships that transcend individual transactions

The Path Forward: Balancing Technology and Humanity

As manufacturing confronts unprecedented change, the winning strategy appears increasingly clear: leverage technology for what it does best while preserving the human elements that technology cannot replicate.

In this balanced approach lies not just operational efficiency but strategic differentiation: The ability to transcend the constraints of commoditization and establish manufacturing relationships built on partnership rather than mere transaction.

As the contract manufacturing industry evolves, the most successful manufacturers won’t be those with the fastest algorithms, but those who do the best job of combining technological power with human wisdom. This is especially critical during the early stages of the product lifecycle, when smart part design, material and process decisions can make a big impact on the success of the overall project.

Even as our industry shifts toward automated quoting systems, 鶹ýӳ remains committed to partnering with you to deliver the quality and expertise you expect. From prototypes to mid-volume production, we tailor our services to meet your needs.

We don’t just process orders, we listen to you and deliver the solutions you need. We’re not only committed to producing parts that meet your requirements but also to providing you with service and support that exceeds your expectations.

Are you ready to experience the 鶹ýӳ “white glove” difference?

Let’s talk about your next project!

Get started - Ask a 鶹ýӳ expert

References

; McKinsey, April 1, 2024

by Sadagopan S,; Forbes, Sept. 12, 2024.

 

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鶹ýӳ Celebrates National 3D Printing Day /fathom-celebrates-national-3d-printing-day Thu, 02 Dec 2021 19:22:18 +0000 /?p=4352 The post 鶹ýӳ Celebrates National 3D Printing Day appeared first on 鶹ýӳ.

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3D Printing // From Curiosity to Industry Transformation

December 3, 2021

fathom - 3d printing dayThe historical timeline for the invention and advancement of additive manufacturing runs at a rapid, permeating pace from the early 1980s to today. 1980 saw the first rapid prototype technique patent application by Dr. Hideo Kodama of Japan, yet, unfortunately, this project that described a layer-by-layer approach to manufacturing was not pursued. Yet, Dr. Kodama’s work opened the flood gates for innovative, cutting-edge technological developments. In the span of one decade, half of the additive manufacturing technologies we use today—Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)—were invented by true industry pioneers who recognized and pursued a better path forward for the future of manufacturing.

 

“Just like the advent and rapid innovation of technologies like the internet, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing is at an inflection point of immense transformational developments. It’s humbling to have been part of setting a great foundation formed by revolutionary thinking by several forward thinkers dating back three decades. I am extremely excited about the future of the AM industry.” / / Scott Crump – Inventor of FDM & Co-Founder of Stratasys

For the past 40 years, industry innovators and leading-edge technology has proactively pushed the boundaries of innovative manufacturing solutions. The evolution of additive technology for rapid prototyping purposes has progressed into more downstream manufacturing applications. Additive manufacturing has turned countless concepts into impactful, industry-altering realities driven by speed, complexity and agility.

“In 2020, 3D printing will confirm its role as one of the most transformational and consequential technologies in the fourth industrial revolution.” / / Marco Annunziata –

Key Moments

  • 1980: First rapid prototyping patent application attempt / / Dr. Hideo Kodama
  • 1986: Stereolithography / / Charles Hull
  • 1988: Selective Laser Sintering / / Carl Deckard
  • 1989: Fused Deposition Modeling / / Scott Crump
  • 1995: Direct Metal Laser Sintering / / EOS
  • 1999: First 3D printed human organ
  • 2000: Objet / / PolyJet
  • 2016: HP / / Multi Jet Fusion

We are proud and honored to be a part of one of the most innovative industries. 鶹ýӳ salutes the accomplishments of the 3D printing pioneers. With an expectation for the future—from today to beyond—we’ve assembled six technology highlights to celebrate 3DP Day, and bring more awareness to the history of our industry.

Stereolithography (SLA)

sla - stereolithography
Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing method that uses a UV laser and a resin to create parts. A single laser is directed to specific areas to cure the resin and create a solid pattern. SLA is popular because it can print parts with excellent precision.

SLA PartsInAsSoonAsNext-Day //Get A Quote

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

sls - selective laser sintering
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder-based additive technology used to create models, prototypes and end-use parts in durable, engineering-grade thermoplastics. SLS is also capable of producing parts with finer details than most processes that use high-strength plastics.

SLS PartsInAsSoonAsTwo-Days / /Get A Quote

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

fdm - fused deposition modeling
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a filament-based additive technology distributed by a moving print head that extrudes a heated thermoplastic material layer by layer onto a build platform. FDM is ideal for building concept models, functional prototypes and end-use parts.

FDM PartsInAsSoonAsNext-Day/ /Get A Quote

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

dmls - direct metal laser sintering
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) or metal 3d printing is an additive layer technology that utilizes a laser beam to melt layers of metal powder on top of each other. DMLS prints parts with high accuracy with excellent surface quality and mechanical properties.

DMLSPartsInAsSoonAs Three-Days/ /Get A Quote

PolyJet (PJ)

polyjet - smooth detailed surface
PolyJet (PJ) is photopolymer-based jetting process that distributes material droplets layer by layer and then immediately cures the materials with a UV light. PJ is capable of creating smooth surfaces, thin walls, and complex geometries using a wide selection of materials.

PJPartsInAsSoonAsSame-Day / /Get A Quote

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

multi jet fusion - fast build times
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) builds parts by repeatedly printing a thin layer of powder on a print bed. The inkjet array in the print carriage sweeps over the print bed, jetting two agents downward—a fusing agent and a detailing agent—ideal for printing complex, functional assemblies.

MJFPartsInAsSoonAsTwoDays/ /Get A Quote

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Avoid Line Down Situations with Help from 鶹ýӳ /blog/avoid-line-down-situations-with-help-from-fathom Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:45:12 +0000 /?p=6522 The post Avoid Line Down Situations with Help from 鶹ýӳ appeared first on 鶹ýӳ.

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Customer Case Study // Preventing Line Down Situation

“Unplanned downtime in manufacturing is one of the largest causes of lost productivity, causing delays, unhappy customers and lost revenue. In fact, the problem costs industrial manufacturers an estimated$50 billion each year, according to recent studies.”-Forbes.com

鶹ýӳ understands that many companiesare experiencing supply chain-related delays, but that doesn’t have to be the case. 鶹ýӳ can provide quick turnaround low-to-mid volume production parts to prevent costly line down situations.

鶹ýӳ’s speed, engineering expertise andcomprehensive capabilities kept a leading recreationalvehicle manufacturer from going into a line down situation.Their international supplierwas not able to produce two critical vehicle components, so 鶹ýӳ stepped in to provide ahigh-quality domesticmanufacturing solution while successfully navigatingPPAP in2.5 weeks to deliver the needed parts.

Talk to an Expert //

鶹ýӳ accelerates manufacturing innovationforthe most product-driven companies in the world.​Talk to an expert todayto solve your supply chain shortages.
​ċċċċ

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鶹ýӳ Acquires Summit Tooling & Summit Plastics /blog/fathom-acquires-summit-tooling-summit-plastics Wed, 03 Feb 2021 22:12:15 +0000 /?page_id=4576 鶹ýӳ Expands Domestic Tooling & Injection Molding Capabilities   We are delighted to welcome Summit Tooling, Inc. and Summit Plastics,…

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鶹ýӳ Expands Domestic Tooling & Injection Molding Capabilities

Summit Tooling & Plastics Joins 鶹ýӳ Manufacturing

 

We are delighted to welcome Summit Tooling, Inc. and Summit Plastics, Inc. into the 鶹ýӳ Manufacturingfamily. Summit is a leading precision tooling and injection molding services provider specializing in small-to-medium prototype injection molds for the domestic market.

This acquisition will greatly expand 鶹ýӳ’s domestic injection molding capabilities.

“We’re excited to work with theSummit teamto explore opportunities to even better serve its customers through鶹ýӳ’s comprehensive digital manufacturing platformwhile also providing 鶹ýӳ’s existing customer base withexpanded domestic quick-turn precision tooling and molding capabilities.” / / Ryan Martin, Chief Executive Officer, 鶹ýӳ

With the Summit acquisition, 鶹ýӳ is strongly poised toansweron-shoredemandwith even more expandeddomestic injection molding capabilities.

 

鶹ýӳ Timeline

Who is Summit Tooling?

Dedicated to Quality, Service and Innovation / /

Founded in 1996, Summit Tooling, Inc. and Summit Plastics, Inc. is a leading provider of high-quality plastic injection mold design, precision mold-making and close-tolerance injection molding. Specializing in small-to-medium prototype injection molds, Summit primarily serves customers in the medical and packaging end markets through a fleet of over 30 CNC, EDM and injection machines outside of Chicago in McHenry, Illinois. 

Services / /

  • Part & Mold Design
  • PrototypeTooling
  • Production Tooling
  • Production Molding

Summit Testimonial / /

“Summit is an invaluable resource for bringing products to the market. From prototype to production, their customer friendly staff always seems to find ways to economically expedite the project.” / /Jim Winje (Sr. Principal Engineer), Baxter

Learn More / /

If you’re interested in learning more, let’s have a conversation! Talk with a鶹ýӳ Experttoday.

Combined Services Include / /

  • Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing / / SLS, FDM, DMLS, MJF, SLA,PolyJet
  • CNC Machining / / 3 & 5 Axis Machines
  • Urethane Casting / / High-Volume Prototyping & BridgeToProduction
  • DoubledDomestic Injection Tooling & Molding / / In-House Tooling Expertise
  • Post Processing, Finishing & Assembly / / Including Large Scale Models

Talk with a 鶹ýӳ Expert toLearn More.

ABOUT SUMMIT TOOLING & SUMMIT PLASTICS:
Founded in 1996, Summit Tooling, Inc. and Summit Plastics, Inc. (collectively, “Summit”) is a leading provider of high-quality plastic injection mold design, precision mold-making and close-tolerance injection molding.  Specializing in small-to-medium prototype injection molds, Summit primarily serves customers in the medical and packaging end markets through a fleet of over 30 CNC, EDM and injection machines outside of Chicago in McHenry, Illinois. To learn more, visit . 

ABOUT FATHOM:
鶹ýӳ is the largest privately helddigital manufacturer inNorth America.鶹ýӳ creates a differentiated customer experience driven by speed, complexity & agility to provide the most unique and impactful on-demand manufacturing in the industry. With over 90 large-platform industrial-grade 3D printing machines and a national footprint with over 200,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity across five facilities, 鶹ýӳ seamlessly blends in-house capabilities across plastic and metal additive technologies,CNC machining, injection molding& tooling,and urethane casting and is revered for continually making the complex simple for its customers. Founded over 35 years ago, 鶹ýӳ is at the forefront of the Industry 4.0 digital manufacturing revolution serving clients in the technology, defense, aerospace, medical, automotive and IOT sectors. 鶹ýӳ holds ISO 9001 and AS9100 Rev D certifications and is ITAR registered. To learn more, visit www.fathommfg.com.

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60-Year-Old Technology Reimagined In 6 Days To Build COVID Ventilators /blog/60-year-old-technology-reimagined-in-6-days-to-build-covid-ventilators Tue, 19 Jan 2021 19:21:04 +0000 /?page_id=4565 The post 60-Year-Old Technology Reimagined In 6 Days <br>To Build COVID Ventilators appeared first on 鶹ýӳ.

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60-Year-Old Technology Reimagined In 6 Days
To Build COVID Ventilators

TheCOVID-19 pandemichas united countless individuals,communitiesand businessesin the fight to stop the proliferation of the virus.Businesseslike鶹ýӳand, have leveraged theiradvancedengineering expertisetomanufacturecritical medicalsupplies.

鶹ýӳ’s COVID Response //3D Print to Help Medical Community

Spiked Demand
Soon after the pandemictook hold,Air Logic was hit with an enormousincrease inorders for a specific ventilator componentthe diaphragm amplifier.They hadproduced the diaphragm amplifier since the 1960s,butdue to lowannualdemand,there was nobusinessreason to makeimprovements to the productdesign or theproductionandassembly processesin decades.WhenCOVIDhit, everythingchanged.

Diaphragm Amplifiers

With only a matter of weeks to deliver on the increased demand for lifesaving ventilator components, Air Logic reached out to their suppliers– specifically 鶹ýӳ –to ask them to step up in a big way.

“I first talked to 鶹ýӳ on a Tuesday and I had a metal fixture in-hand on Saturday. You’tbeat execution like that! I look forward to the next project I get to work with them on,” saysJohnHayden, Air Logic Marketing Manager.

Diaphragm amplifiers function much like a transistor in an electrical circuit. They amplify very low pressure to signal a much higher pressure. This featuredoesan excellentjob ofdetecting pressure changes in a patient’s circuit on a ventilator.Medical products undergo additional levels of testing and certificationswhichrequirelonger product development cycles.There simplyɲ’ttime to execute a traditional manufacturing product development cyclewhich can take months to over a year to gofromconcept to production.Air Logic knew they needed todramatically altertheirproductionprocess to meetthis new COVID-drivendemand.

鶹ýӳTransformsAir Logic’s Product Development
Typically, the team at Air Logic can handle most engineering, design,fabricationand production needs in-house. However,theirresourceswere alreadystrappedfulfilling other orderswhilestillmaintaining safe operations. Haydenreached out to theadditiveexperts at 鶹ýӳto bridge this critical gap.

Diaphragm Amplifier Fixtures

鶹ýӳ delivered some serious value to usthis year during our ramp up and COVID-19 response,” states Hayden.

鶹ýӳ immediately took up the calland started workingcollaborativelywith Air Logictodetermine a way to combine two of the assembly processes into one. Reducingthe number of assembly stepswould eliminate double handing,reworkand reduce production time.Hayden provided theinitialidea which the team at 鶹ýӳ took from concept to physical tooling in just days.

By focusing on how a product should function rather than how’smade, companies can drive greater innovation and push the limits of manufacturing.鶹ýӳ promotes an “outside-in” approachfor manufacturingwhethertraditionally, additively or ahybridized approach.

鶹ýӳ’s Rapid Manufacturing Methodologies

鶹ýӳ’s Rapid Manufacturing Methodologies //Learn More

DeliveringMulti-Tech & Materialswith Speed&Superior Quality

Production//

TurnaroundProcess //

  • SolidModeling
  • DesignReviews
  • Construction
  • Assembly
  • Delivery

The first fixture, printed withanAluminum Alloy,got Air Logic started,but they soon realized theyneeded to make some improvements. 鶹ýӳ updated the design and materialbased on their learnings.

The next two fixtures wereprinted usingStainless Steelwhich dramatically improved assembly and testing time.Theserevisedfixtures have held up to the wear and tear of over 50,000 operationsto date.

 

John Hayden, Marketing Manager for Air Logic, explains how 鶹ýӳ helped transform a decades-old technology in just days to answer a dramatic increase in product demand driven by COVID medical needs.

Working with 鶹ýӳ provides immediate and comprehensive access to the most relevant equipment and experience in advanced manufacturing,engineeringand prototyping.鶹ýӳsimply bringsit all together. We boldly make the investments in our business and leverage our expertise to problem solve and deliver high-efficiency outcomes every time for our customers.

Special thanks toJohn Hayden, Marketing Manager,andMara Alvarez, Marketing Assistantat AirLogicand the entire 鶹ýӳ team.

DMLS PartsInAs Soon As 3 Days//

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鶹ýӳ 4.0: Transforming the Future of Manufacturing /blog/fathom-40-transforming-the-future-of-manufacturing Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:10:08 +0000 /?p=4073 Hartland, Wis., November 10, 2020 In 2020, four legacy companies – FATHOM, Midwest Composite Technologies, ICOMold and GPI Prototype –…

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Hartland, Wis., November 10, 2020

In 2020, four legacy companies – FATHOM, Midwest Composite Technologies, ICOMold and GPI Prototype – combined to form 鶹ýӳ, the largest privately held digital manufacturing company in North America. As each held important industry positions individually, together they are uniquely poised to lead the digital manufacturing revolution. Moving forward, the companies will operate under the brand, 鶹ýӳ.

To fully understand and best serve our consolidated customer base, 鶹ýӳ underwent an independent consumer research study which unanimously recognized 鶹ýӳ for its responsive communication, speed, agility, and expertise. “This is a pivotal moment in our industry to drive innovation and change, the new 鶹ýӳ has been formed to drive a differentiated and impactful customer experience,” stated Rich Stump, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), 鶹ýӳ. To simply be recognized is not enough – 鶹ýӳ strives to be the absolute BEST at these important attributes which are critical to the success of its current and future customers.

Who is 鶹ýӳ?

The future of manufacturing is changing and 鶹ýӳ is leading that change by leveraging our proven differentiators to reimagine the customer experience. Built on Industry 4.0, 鶹ýӳ is the development of enhanced solutions backed by 35 years of industry expertise. This enables 鶹ýӳ to reimagine digital manufacturing by joining proven methodologies with new processes and technologies.

鶹ýӳ combines a broad array of advanced manufacturing technologies to provide a unique and impactful development process. We proactively push the boundaries of innovative solutions to turn concepts into reality. With clients ranging from industries within the Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Technology, Medical & IOT sectors, 鶹ýӳ’s digital manufacturing capabilities are now integral to their product development process.

“We are very excited to announce and begin executing our 鶹ýӳ 4.0 strategy. This differentiated strategy focuses on speed, problem-solving, adaptive customer technical responsiveness and manufacturing to customers’ specifications (project complexity). All of this is backed by the industry’s most talented team and extensive capabilities. We believe this strategy will position 鶹ýӳ as the most unique and differentiated digital manufacturer in North America.” -Ryan Martin, CEO, 鶹ýӳ

As experts in additive and traditional manufacturing, our in-depth expertise begins with a technology agnostic approach. This inventive approach is backed by over 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space where we utilize:

  • 14 manufacturing production methods
  • 6 additive manufacturing technologies
  • Over 90 industrial grade / large format additive systems
  • A combination of over 125 mills, lathes, presses & 3D printers
  • Domestic CNC
  • Urethane casting
  • Domestic and International Injection Molding
  • Enhanced model finishing and assembly

Working with 鶹ýӳ provides immediate and comprehensive access to the most relevant equipment and experience in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and prototyping. We simply bring it all together, we boldly make the investments in our business and leverage our expertise to problem solve and deliver high-efficiency outcomes every time for our customers. See the new 鶹ýӳ at 鶹ýӳMfg.com.

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Featured Material Option // Ultrasint® TPU 88A For SLS /blog/featured-material-ultrasint-tpu88a Fri, 30 Oct 2020 12:56:11 +0000 /?p=4021 The post Featured Material Option // Ultrasint® TPU 88A For SLS appeared first on 鶹ýӳ.

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Thermoplastic Polyurethane Powder for Selective Laser Sintering

鶹ýӳ offers a new flexible material option for 3D Printing with Selective Laser Sintering.

鶹ýӳ has partnered with to drive innovative product offerings and give our customers more material options. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is now available with the flexible and durable Ultrasint® TPU 88A.

SLS TPU is yet another additive technology offered by 鶹ýӳ. We have over 450,000 square feet of manufacturing space spread across the country giving customers access to an extensive slate of digital manufacturing technologies including PolyJet, Fused Deposition Modeling, and Multi Jet Fusion. TPU forming is also available with Urethane Casting.

Ultrasint® TPU 88A is a versatile, elastomeric material that offers great shock absorption and rebound. SLS TPU parts will have a rubber-like feel and a smooth white surface. TPU 88A is resistant to water with high UV stability making it a good material choice for items that may come into contact with the elements. This elastic material is used to make industrial tubes, pipes, consumer footwear, sports equipment, and automotive components. TPU SLS parts can be made for prototyping proposes or as a production material for end-use parts.

Additive Manufacturing Services By 鶹ýӳ // Featured SLS Material Option // TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane Powder)
Tensile Strength Young’s Modulus Elongation at Break Shore Hardness Rebound Resilience Material Overview Download Data Sheet
8 MPa 75 MPa 270% 88-90 63%

What is SLS?

SLS is an additive technology used to build parts layer-by-layer. The process starts with a digital model of the part in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file. The SLS machine uses the CAD file to direct a powerful laser into a powder bed over the build plate. The laser traces the shape of the object, melting or sintering the plastic powder together. The build plate is then lowered and covered with more plastic powder. The laser then fuses the new layer to the previous layer. This process is repeated until the part is complete. The part is then excavated from the powder bed. Excess powder is shaken from the part before it is sent for further cleaning and post processing if required. Leftover powder can be reclaimed and used for another project.

鶹ýӳ has a fleet of SLS machines, including several large-format printers capable of producing over-sized parts. Speak to our experts about your next project or get started with an .

For our Complete SLS Materials Options // SLS

Companies trust the 鶹ýӳ team with low- and high-volume projects because of our award-winning expertise, quality, and speed. Our accelerated manufacturing capabilities allow for next day turnaround on SLS TPU parts. Running our 3D printing machines 24/7 enables us to meet tight deadlines while maintaining precise specifications. machinery that further expedites and scales our 3D production capacity. This patented technology achieves a surface quality for thermoplastic polymer 3D parts that rivals injection molding. Large batches of parts can be run simultaneously and do not require any additional steps after the 90 to 120 minute process time.

Application Example // Industrial Tubes and Pipes

  • Water tight down to 0.6 mm wall thickness.
  • High burst pressure (e.g. 7.4 bar at 3 mm wall thickness).
  • Good resistance to water and various chemicals.
  • Readily implemented material model allows for further part optimization via BASF Ultrasim® simulation and design services.

鶹ýӳ is fueled by cutting-edge technology, with the speed and agility to provide the most impactful, on-demand manufacturing in the industry. Speak with our experts to find out how we may be able to reduce cost and cut turnaround time.

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鶹ýӳ Acquires GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services /blog/fathom-acquires-gpi-prototype-manufacturing-services Wed, 02 Sep 2020 14:50:57 +0000 /blog/fathom-acquires-gpi The post 鶹ýӳ Acquires GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services appeared first on 鶹ýӳ.

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lp

鶹ýӳ Acquires GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services / / A Legacy Metal Additive Manufacturing Company


We’re delighted to announce that GPI Prototyping and Manufacturing Services (GPI) is now a part of 鶹ýӳ.

Official Press Release / /

Midwest Composite Technologies acquired 鶹ýӳ and ICOMold in 2019. With the GPI acquisition, all four companies will be moving forward under the 鶹ýӳ brand. The combined company is positioned for growth as the leading privately held digital manufacturing company in the United States and now offers expanded manufacturing capabilities to all customers.

Founded in 2007 as one of the first metal additive manufacturing services providers in the country, GPI offers Direct Metal Laser Sintering (“DMLS”) additive manufacturing and CNC machining services, producing metal parts with complex geometries for on-demand manufacturing applications. Utilizing a variety of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, tool steel, titanium, inconel and cobalt chrome, GPI works with Fortune 500 companies across medical, aerospace & defense, R&D and industrial end markets. The Company holds ISO 9001, ISO 13485 and AS9100D certifications and is ITAR registered.

Timeline-2020-founded

GPI is now part of the largest privately held digital manufacturing service provider in North America.

“GPI’s ability to leverage metal additive manufacturing accelerates both design cycles and time to market and further enhances 鶹ýӳ’s existing metal additive capabilities and our unique customer value proposition. We’re excited to work closely with GPI’s customers as a turnkey partner for on-demand manufacturing, providing a broad array of complementary services and an unparalleled customer experience.” / / Ryan Martin, Chief Executive Officer of 鶹ýӳ

What does this acquisition mean for GPI customers?

This acquisition will give GPI customers access to a vast amount of additional manufacturing capabilities focused on technical expertise, speed, agility and complexity. We have 13 years of advanced manufacturing experience in metal additive and are looking forward to working with you on your next project or to answer any questions you may have about 鶹ýӳ.

GPI customers will now have access to our in-house CNC machining, post-processing and finishing capabilities, in addition to the high-quality metal 3D printing you’ve grown to expect from GPI. You’ll find 鶹ýӳ will fulfill your prototyping and manufacturing needs comprehensively and quickly.

With over three decades of experience manufacturing, we have thousands of materials ranging from plastics to polymers to composites and metals.


Who is 鶹ýӳ? / / 鶹ýӳ is the largest privately held service providers for rapid prototyping and on-demand additive manufacturing in North America. We are driven to create a differentiated customer experience driven by speed, complexity & agility to provide the most unique and impactful on-demand manufacturing in the industry.

鶹ýӳ Offers / /

  • 14 manufacturing production methods
  • 6 additive manufacturing technologies
  • Over 90 industrial grade / large format additive systems
  • A combination of over 125 mills, lathes, presses & 3D printers
  • Domestic CNC
  • Urethane casting
  • Domestic and International Injection Molding
  • Enhanced model finishing and assembly

Main Services Include—But Not Limited To / /

  • Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing / / SLS, PolyJet, FDM, SLA, MJF & DMLS

  • 3 & 5 Axis CNC Machining

  • Urethane Casting

  • Injection Tooling & Molding

  • Finishing & Assembly

What does the GPI acquisition mean for the company? / / With the recent acquisition of GPI Prototype and Manufacturing, 鶹ýӳ has doubled its metal additive capacity creating a more encompassing DMLS solution for its customers.

DMLS materials to include / /

  • Stainless Steel (PH1, GP1, 316L)

  • Cobalt Chrome (MP1)

  • Maraging Steel (MS1)

  • Aluminum (AlSi10Mg)

  • Nickel Alloy (IN718)

  • Titanium (Ti-64, ELI)

  • Inconel Alloy

In addition, we are adding Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) capabilities, additional metallurgical analysis equipment and mechanical quality assurance – In-Process Quality Assurance (IPQA) activities.

鶹ýӳ holds ISO 9001 and AS9100 Rev D certifications and is ITAR registered

Related Topics:


Are you ready for your next project? Talk to a 鶹ýӳ expert.

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STL Files / / Understanding the 3D Printing File Type /blog/guide-to-better-stl-files Wed, 02 Sep 2020 14:50:57 +0000 /blog/guide-to-better-stl-files 60% of CAD users say STL file prep and repairs are the biggest challenges for engineers when preparing files for…

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60% of CAD users say STL file prep and repairs are the biggest challenges for engineers when preparing files for 3D printing. You’re not alone.


3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs provide an invaluable benefit for engineers and designers to visualize their product in a 3-dimensional, virtual space. However, exporting to a Standard Tessellation Language (STL) file format happens to be a major pain point for some users. For example, low resolution files will have facets that may appear in a 3D printed model and those with very high resolutions will create an excessively large file that is difficult for 3D printing software to process. In order to get a good quality 3D print, you need to start with a good STL file.


How to Create the Ideal STL File / / Balance Resolution, File Size, Accuracy and Quality

STL files are made up of triangles which approximate a surface. In order to 3D print an STL file, the mesh must be closed (watertight), meaning all edges of the triangle align with another and all of the normal directions are matching. When exporting from your CAD package, ’s important to consider the different options that your software provides such as distance deviation or angle resolution. In addition, every design program has a different method of converting files to STLs and some are more successful than others. 鶹ýӳ has identified a list of potential STL errors and recommendations to proactively address these issues.

CAD to STL : Export Considerations Potential STL Errors
Distance Deviation Inverted Normal
Angle Resolution Bad Edges
Edge Length Holes
Aspect Ratio Noise Shells
ACSII Versus Binary Multiple Shells
  1. Inverted Normal / / A triangle’s normal is flipped the wrong way which creates an open mesh. Because of this, slicing software will be unable to create contours for printing. Simple STL editing software will enable you to flip the direction of the normal to correct the issues.

  2. Bad Edges / / The edge of a triangle is not adjacent to another triangle edge. Many times, bad edges that are very close to one another may be stitched together to close the mesh. This requires STL repair and we recommend re-modeling the areas where the boundary edges were detected in the native CAD software. Adding thickness or clearance where needed can sometimes help solve faulty edges.

  3. Holes / / Missing triangles from a region prevents a closed mesh. This is sometimes an easy fix within the STL, but that is not always the case. It may be necessary to edit or re-export of the original 3D CAD file.

  4. Multiple Shells / / Typically, ’s ideal for your STL to be made of one shell body for printing. Unwanted meshes and noise shells are typically created in error during an STL export. We recommend removing noise shells for cleaner contours. Solving any issues with your models in the native CAD software tends to have better results.

  5. Overlapping & Intersecting Triangles / / Overlapping and intersecting triangles may produce areas too small to print. Intersecting faces usually lead to failures since the software doesn’t recognize which areas are inside or outside of the model. We recommend combining the bodies into a single solid before exporting into an STL.

Working with 鶹ýӳ providesimmediate and comprehensive access to the most relevant equipment and experience in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and prototyping.Our engineers are able to addressthe most common mistakes and potential errors with STLfilepreparation,as even the most popular CAD packages can pose difficulties during STLfile export. The expert team at 鶹ýӳ has identified the most common pitfalls and guarantees that this STL Guideline document will save you time and ensure that your 3D printed parts accurately represent your idea.


Download the STL Guide—How to take your STL Files to Printed Parts

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Fast Spiral Nasopharyngeal Swab /blog/npswab Wed, 02 Sep 2020 14:50:57 +0000 /blog/npswab 3D Printed Nasopharyngeal SwabsFor Accelerated COVID-19 Testing The FAST spiral swabwas perfected over 25 iterations in 35 days with clinicians…

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3D Printed Nasopharyngeal SwabsFor Accelerated COVID-19 Testing

The FAST spiral swabwas perfected over 25 iterations in 35 days with clinicians fromStanford Health Care, Harvard-BIDMC and Seattle-area swab clinics.


Speed, Agility and Flexibility to Meet Swab Shortage

A shortage of specialized nasopharyngeal swabs used to collect samples from patients’ noses and throats for diagnosis is one of several bottlenecks in the way of widespread testing. Over the last 35 days, 鶹ýӳ has been assisting in the development, testing, and production for 3D printed test-kit swabs. Lending our machines and operational expertise, the team at 鶹ýӳ has worked tirelessly alongside , , and  to ready this life-saving diagnostic tool for use at the front lines of the pandemic.

Using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion Technology To Fight COVID-19 // 

Recently validated in a , the FAST NP Swab was one of 150 designs evaluated and was selected as the most preferred swab on the basis of expert review, collection sufficiency, PCR-compatibility and concordance testing with flocked nasopharyngeal swabs. The FAST NP Swab is FDA Registered: Class 1 Exempt and is available now.



FAST Spiral Nasopharyngeal Swab / / Design Considerations

web-Nose-Swab-Post-Process-6.jpg
swabKeyshot1.jpg

Over 150 NP Swab designs were evaluated in the clinical trial by Harvard-BIDMC. The Abiogenix spiral design, made using HP’s MJF 3D printing technology, was selected as the preferred swab by clinicians and patients.

What were some of the major design considerations that made the FAST design stand out?

Among the design considerations was the importance of the roughly six-inch swabs being rigid enough to reach potentially infected cells at the back of the nasopharynx but flexible enough not to damage soft and sensitive tissues along the way. – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

How did the FAST design stand out?

Working through 25 iterations of the design, the team ultimately came up with a design verified by clinician’s to have the right “feel” of rigidity. One that allows the break point to not be so weak as to buckle when pushed against an obstruction and affords the clinician the ability to perform single-handed breaking, by bending and then twisting the swab to collect the sample.

Although a seemingly simple device at first glance, the entire structure of the swab was redesigned, from the grip and the neck, to the collection spiral, everything underwent countless hours of design, testing/evaluation and redesign to culminate in what is now the final FDA-Registered device. This entire process is a prime example of how additive manufacturing and the right team can facilitate a condensed development life-cycle through a very collaborative and iterative process. Coupled with the extreme motivation to combat a global pandemic, all parties involved were in the right place at the right time to make this concept a reality.

*For initial diagnostic testing for CDC recommends collecting and testing an upper respiratory specimen. Nasopharyngeal specimen is the preferred choice for swab-based testing.

Swab-FEA---ANSYS-Discovery-Live-GIF-1.gif
Swab

About Abiogenix / /

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In March 2020, Dr. Ramy Arnaout from Harvard Medical School put out a call to meet the swab shortage that was limitingCOVID-19 testing. We heard the call.

Abiogenix teamed up with 鶹ýӳand HP to design and print over 25 iterations of nasopharyngeal swabs.

Working with clinicians on the front-lines, we designed a swab that is easier to use and more comfortable than other 3D printedswabs.

  • Designed by

  • Refinedby clinicians from Stanford Health swab clinic

  • Manufactured by 鶹ýӳ

  • Printed using technology

  • Validated in a clinical trial by

  • Tested at


Process Gallery / /


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