Unleash the Power of Additive Manufacturing for Faster, Smarter, Dependable, and More Innovative Results
The ability to produce parts on-demand using additive manufacturing can be a game-changer for innovation as well as provide the added critical benefit of supply chain resilience while also reducing costs and downtime.
Zebra Technologies FS40 Anti-Tamper Shield - Custom designed by MDCI
HMI Screen Bezels for healthcare industry customer
The Benefits of Utilizing MDCI Automation’s Additive Manufacturing Services
Speed: Quickly transform concepts into physical prototypes, reducing development time
Cost Efficiency: Capture cost savings compared to traditional manufacturing methods, especially for complex geometries
Design Flexibility: Gain the freedom to create intricate designs that were previously difficult to produce
Iterative Development: Rapid prototyping enables iterative design changes, leading to better end products
Reduced Waste: Additive manufacturing reduces material waste and scrap
Customization: Create personalized products and parts according to specific requirements
Who We Serve
Engineers and Designers: Additive manufacturing allows engineers and designers to create complex geometries and prototypes with greater freedom. They can quickly iterate and test designs, leading to more innovative and optimized products.
Product Development Teams: Teams working on new product development can use additive manufacturing to create rapid prototypes and functional prototypes. This enables them to test and validate designs early in the development process, reducing time to market.
Manufacturing and Production Professionals: Additive manufacturing can be used to create end-use parts, tooling, and fixtures. It offers the flexibility to produce small batches of customized or specialized components without the need for costly molds or tooling changes.
Researchers and Innovators: Researchers in various fields, including materials science, biomedical engineering, aerospace, and more, can leverage additive manufacturing to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of their respective disciplines.
Aerospace and Automotive Industries: These industries often use additive manufacturing for creating lightweight, high-strength parts, reducing fuel consumption and increasing performance.
Medical and Healthcare Professionals: Additive manufacturing is used to create custom implants, prosthetics, medical devices, and even anatomical models for surgical planning and medical training.
Common Concerns
Common concerns about additive manufacturing (A.M.) include:
Addressing these concerns involves a combination of technological advancements, industry collaboration, research, and education.
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There can be doubts about the strength and durability of 3D-printed parts compared to traditionally manufactured parts. This concern is addressed through ongoing advancements in materials science, where new materials are developed specifically for additive manufacturing, offering comparable or even superior strength and performance.
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There can be concern about the surface finish of 3D-printed parts, especially when compared to smooth surfaces achieved through traditional manufacturing. Improved printing techniques, post-processing methods, and advanced equipment have led to smoother and more refined surface finishes.
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While A.M. is known for its rapid prototyping capabilities, concerns arise when it comes to large-scale production speed. We address this concern by optimizing printing processes, enhancing machine efficiency, and utilizing a “fleet-based” production process emphasizing the number of printers rather than the speed of each printer to allow for continuous printing across multiple machines.
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Initial investment costs for A.M. equipment and materials can be a concern, especially for smaller businesses. Utilizing our design and production resources “as a service” eliminates up-front costs and makes your production costs purely variable costs. You utilize costs only when you have associated needs.
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Skepticism about A.M.'s ability to produce complex, functional, and detailed designs can arise. Advances in design software and printing technology have minimized these limitations, allowing for intricate and complex geometries.
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Industries like aerospace and medical devices require stringent certifications. Addressing this concern involves working closely with regulatory bodies to ensure materials and process compliance and developing A.M.-specific standards.
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Some 3D-printed parts require post-processing to achieve desired mechanical properties or surface finishes. Our team streamlines post-processing techniques to minimize time and effort.
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A shortage of skilled professionals experienced in A.M. operations and design can be a concern. This is being tackled through educational initiatives, training programs, and the integration of A.M. into curricula.
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Achieving consistent results across multiple print runs can be challenging. Manufacturers are implementing process control and quality assurance measures to ensure reliability and reproducibility.
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Limitations in the build volume of 3D printers can impact the size of parts that can be produced. Manufacturers are developing larger printers and also considering modular approaches for printing larger components.