AM Options has introduced {that a} fast-moving client items (FMCG) firm’s R&D facility has adopted its S1 automated post-processing system to spice up its additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities. This highlights the corporate’s dedication to innovation and effectivity all through the product growth course of.
The FMCG firm will display the potential worth that may be discovered on the early phases of the event cycle, the place speedy prototyping is vital in shaping future merchandise. To this point, the S1 system is making a major distinction within the day-to-day operation of the lab.
“We’re utilizing additive manufacturing to create correct, high-quality prototypes that assist early-stage market analysis and assist convey downstream groups (equivalent to tooling) into the event course of a lot earlier,” mentioned a Spokesperson for the FMCG firm. “However whereas the printing course of was streamlined, post-processing was nonetheless a bottleneck. The S1 has fully modified that.”
Drawbacks of the outdated, guide course of
Earlier than this funding, the corporate relied on guide bead blasting utilizing glass media. This course of takes round 4 hours per day, requires important operator involvement, and generates mud, which impacts the working atmosphere. Moreover, this technique can even affect the end high quality.
“It wasn’t simply concerning the time spent every day (although saving 300 hours a yr is not any small factor), it was additionally about consistency, security, and liberating up our group to deal with the extra inventive, high-value elements of R&D,” the Spokesperson continues. “The S1 provides us a totally enclosed, automated course of that handles each cleansing and floor ending in a single go, saving house and delivering repeatable outcomes.”
How the S1 system aids the corporate
The two-in-1 performance of the S1 is vital within the FMCG firm’s provider analysis course of. Competing techniques want two separate machines, one for cleansing and the opposite for floor ending. Needing two machines locations a better burden on house and workflow complexity. The compact footprint of the S1 is a transparent benefit. Moreover, the 2-in-1 nature of the system ensures each processes can happen concurrently.
“The opposite options we reviewed required extra space and didn’t obtain the identical end high quality,” mentioned the Spokesperson. “The S1 has streamlined our whole course of, and since it’s clear and enclosed, it’s improved the general lab atmosphere as effectively.”
The assist supplied by the AM Options group is one other key profit obtainable to the FMCG firm. Identified for his or her ending applied sciences experience, the group can work intently with the adaptor to fine-tune course of parameters and choose the mixture of media and compound to make sure consistency.
“What actually set AM Options aside was their information and willingness to interact with our particular wants,” concluded the Spokesperson. “They didn’t simply promote us a machine; they helped us construct a ending answer that works for our elements, our supplies, and our workflow. That type of experience is uncommon.”