Additive manufacturing is quickly becoming more commonly used in specialized technology applications where limited quantities of durable precision components are needed. Imagine “printing” a limited number of products or designing product without manufacturing limitations—all while reducing waste and cost.
3-D design and additive manufacturing will change the aftermarket industry in a number of ways. For one, it can eliminate the costly and time-consuming process of tool making by producing fully assembled parts directly from 3-D CAD models. Creating hybrid tooling can duplicate production quality for limited production runs. Additive technologies also give designers the freedom to create with fewer limitations than they had when using traditional manufacturing processes. 3-D design changes can be employed with complete flexibility, no wasted inventory and no wait time for costly tool changes.
Bringing all of the best additive manufacturing technologies together allows the industry to provide customers with exactly what their project requires, whichever additive manufacturing method fits best.
Today, when a customer comes to you looking for a replacement taillight that is no longer being manufactured, you can either 3-D scan that part to save time or have a designer take hand measurements and design it in 3-D software. On top of that, if you want any design changes made to that part, 3-D design engineers can make those changes and print out the newly designed part in a few days.
Join the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) and presenter David Gurrola, president of GROWit, to explore design and engineering technology that can dramatically impact your company. This informative webinar will be held Thursday, January 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PST).
Participate live, or download the webinar when it's convenient. And remember: SEI webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.
SEMA members: Register online.
Non-members: Register online.