Precision Resource Collaborates With 3D Systems to Offer Metal Additive Manufacturing

Precision Resource and 3D Systems have formed a partnership to expand metal additive manufacturing (AM) applications in high-criticality markets. As part of this strategic collaboration, Precision Resource is integrating the 3D Systems DMP Flex 350 Dual printers into its manufacturing workflow.

The two companies say they are collaborating in order to scale and accelerate AM. Precision Resource is a manufacturer of critical components for the automotive, heavy-duty, aerospace and medical device industries. Combining both organizations’ applications expertise with 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing (DMP) platform will enable a faster path to market for applications for these high-criticality industries.

As part of the agreement, Precision Resource is purchasing two 3D Systems DMP Flex 350 Dual 3D printers to be part of the manufacturing workflow in its AS9100-certified Huntington Beach, California, facility. The DMP Flex 350 is known for its environmental control and inert atmosphere that are said to ensure exceptionally high-quality parts for precision applications.

The partners say the seamless integration of the DMP technology into Precision Resource’s production processes — complemented by 5-axis machining centers and advanced inspection systems — will expand its portfolio of precision metal forming processes. This will enable the company to offer new solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers as well as open new markets for the company.

Engineers from 3D Systems’ Application Innovation Group (AIG) partnered with the Precision Resource team to develop this solution. Both teams possess expertise in metal manufacturing processes as well as in high-value applications across a variety of industries. This engineering expertise combined with 3D Systems’ DMP technology and Precision Resource’s secondary finishing capabilities can result in an efficient and robust, end-to-end manufacturing solution for AM parts to meet the performance needs of high-criticality components and solve lingering supply chain issues through vertical integration.

3D Systems’ DMP Flex 350 platform is designed for flexible application use — from application development to serial production. The quick-swap build modules and fast powder recycling help accelerate production, while a central server manages print jobs, materials, settings and maintenance to facilitate the 24/7 productivity. Due to the distinctive vacuum chamber concept of the DMP Flex 350 printers, argon gas consumption is heavily reduced while delivering best-in-class oxygen purity (<25 ppm), resulting in exceptionally strong parts of high chemical purity, better metallurgical properties and exceptional surface finish.

The printer also includes 3DXpert software which supports every step of the AM workflow from design to postprocessing, to quickly and efficiently transition from a 3D model to successfully printed parts.

“We are excited to partner with 3D Systems, a company that shares our dedication to excellence and innovation,” says Chris Gratton, Precision Resource general manager. “This partnership allows us to leverage the latest advancements in metal additive manufacturing, further positioning Precision Resource at the forefront of technological progress. This expansion into metal additive printing underscores Precision Resource’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional value to our clients, customers, partners and stakeholders. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we remain dedicated to our mission of excellence and continuous improvement.”

The partners say that manufacturing parts for high-criticality industries requires precision without compromise. “Companies focusing on these areas require constant innovation to meet the accuracy, speed, reliability and productivity demands of increasingly complex production,” says Jeph Ruppert, 3D Systems vice president of technical business development. “Bringing together the industry-leading technology and applications expertise of 3D Systems and Precision Resource will deliver increased quality, improved total cost of ownership, reduced time to market and minimized supply chain disruption. I’m looking forward to seeing how our collaboration can amplify and accelerate the potential of metal AM.”

Precision Resource is a global provider of fineblanking technology for a variety of industries. Fineblanking is a hybrid metal forming process combining the technologies of stamping and cold extrusion. Triple-action presses combined with specially designed tooling produce parts impossible to make with any other stamping process. Founded as a tool shop in 1947, the company has developed into one of the world’s largest and most advanced suppliers of fineblanked components. Additionally, Precision Resource supports its customers with precision CNC machined components, complex assemblies and now metal 3D printed components. Precision Resource operates eight production facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Slovenia.