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Minimized production time with accurate and durable end parts for aerospace industry
Western Tool & Mold purchased Fortus Production System to further extend and complement the manufacturing process
HONG KONG, May 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratasys Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS), a global leader of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, today announced that Western Tool & Mold had decided to purchase its second Fortus 3D Production System from Stratasys in its continued effort to minimize production time and improve resource management with accurate and durable end parts for the aerospace industry.
Western Tool & Mold (WTM) specializes in tooling fabrication and injection molding of engineering grade resins, producing a wide range of products including aerospace components. WTM purchased its first Stratasys Fortus 400mc Production System, three years ago to make parts for aircraft interiors. Most of these parts are made with Stratasys ULTEM 9085, a Fused Deposition Molding (FDM) thermoplastic that complies with applicable government regulatory requirements for the aerospace industry. ULTEM 9085 is a strong, lightweight material that is heat resistant, flame-retardant, and offers full FST (flame, smoke and toxicity), ideal for aerospace applications.
"Manufacturing process, particularly in the aerospace industry, is an ongoing challenge," said Collin Wilkerson, Managing Director of Western Tool & Mold. "Aircrafts placed on an assembly line need parts instantly. Receiving the parts on time is critical as penalties are placed if deadlines are missed. Stratasys 3D printing technology saves time, giving us the power to produce parts to quickly provide solutions to our customers' problems, meeting immediate needs with accurate and durable end parts."
Integrating Stratasys 3D printing technology into the scope of service to customers has proved to be a successful added revenue stream for WTM with 100% customers returning to manufacture additional parts, using the Fused Deposition (FDM) Fortus 400mc Production System. WTM has recently made an additional purchase of a second Fortus machine - Fortus 900mc - to further extend and complement existing manufacturing processes.
"Costs saved by customers could be used for tooling. 3D printing is not cutting income from our tooling and injection molding business. Rather, it enables us to become a better supplier to our customers," Wilkerson further commented.
