Reducing Manufacturing Lead Times with Additive Manufacturing
In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, reducing lead times is crucial for staying ahead. Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, has emerged as a powerful tool to achieve this goal.
Accelerating Tooling Production
Traditional tooling methods can be time-consuming. For instance, Westminster Tool utilized metal 3D printing technology to produce complex steel mold inserts in just four weeks, halving the typical eight-week timeline.
This approach eliminated over 110 hours of labor and machining time, significantly speeding up product development for medical device OEMs.
A similar result was achieved by a mid-sized aerospace supplier, East/West, that 3D printed a forming die in-house using carbon fiber-reinforced material – cutting tooling lead time by 87% and avoiding an eight-week production delay. The team used their Fortus 450mc printer to replace a damaged tool in under a week, keeping customer delivery on track. The full story, including how they made the shift and what it meant for production, is explored in this article on aerospace tooling with AM.
Streamlining Part Production
PGV Industries, serving the oil and gas sector, integrated binder jet metal 3D printing technology, cutting lead times by up to 80%. This shift not only expedited production but also reduced inventory by approximately 50%, freeing up internal capacity and streamlining operations .
Enhancing Repair Processes
Another win in the aerospace industry, Pratt & Whitney developed an additive manufacturing repair process for its Geared Turbofan engine components, reducing repair times by over 60%. This innovation improved turnaround times, lowered tooling costs, and lessened reliance on traditional supply chains .
Benefits Across Industries
- Speed: Rapid prototyping and production reduce time-to-market.
- Flexibility: Design modifications can be implemented swiftly without extensive retooling.
- Cost Savings: Decreased labor and material costs through efficient production processes.
- Inventory Reduction: On-demand manufacturing minimizes the need for large inventories.
Additive manufacturing offers a transformative approach to reducing lead times across various industries. By embracing AM technologies, companies can enhance efficiency, respond swiftly to market demands, and maintain a competitive edge.
Take Action: Start Cutting Lead Times Today
Assess your current lead times and identify one area – such as tooling, spare parts, or repairs – where additive manufacturing could reduce turnaround. Then, schedule a consultation with our team to explore a proof-of-concept.
