Opemipo Jokotagba
Updated on: October 9, 2024 1:14 pm GMT
New Digital Sheet Forming Technology Revolutionizes Sheet Metal Production
In a groundbreaking move for the manufacturing industry, Desktop Metal has introduced an innovative production method that stands to disrupt traditional sheet metal forming. The company’s new Figur G15 machine utilizes Digital Sheet Forming technology, a process that promises to reduce costs and lead times dramatically when compared to conventional techniques. This advancement is making waves at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2023 in Chicago, where industry leaders discuss the implications for cost performance in metal fabrication.
Understanding Digital Sheet Forming
Traditional sheet metal forming often requires expensive stamping tools and dies, which necessitate large presses to operate. These tools are not only costly, but they also take up significant space in manufacturing facilities and become irrelevant once they serve their one purpose. With the introduction of the Figur G15, Desktop Metal has eliminated the wait and expense associated with tooling. Instead of relying on pre-manufactured dies, the machine applies direct pressure to the metal using a stylus with rolling balls that shape the material layer by layer as directed by a computer-aided design (CAD) file.
The Mechanics of the Figur G15
The Figur G15 machine operates uniquely compared to conventional methods. Here’s a closer look at how it works:
- The stylus presses rolling balls onto flat metal surfaces.
- The process involves deforming the metal by applying force precisely where needed.
- Production can move directly from digital designs to physical production, eliminating the need for long lead times.
This technology not only streamlines the manufacturing process but also allows for more versatile production runs, making it ideal for companies that require flexibility and adaptability in their manufacturing operations.
Cost Efficiency and Market Implications
The global market for sheet metal forming stands at an impressive $300 billion, but the traditional methods can be prohibitively expensive for smaller operations that don’t require mass production. Desktop Metal’s Figur G15 provides a solution to companies looking to save costs without sacrificing quality. For smaller manufacturing operations, the potential savings in both production time and tooling costs can run into millions of dollars.
A Look at the Competitive Landscape
At the IMTS 2023, industry representatives emphasized the challenges that additive manufacturing companies face, particularly in cost and speed. While traditional methods such as stamping can produce parts quickly once tools are in place, the lead times for creating those tools can be extensive. In contrast, the Figur G15’s ability to create complex shapes without the need for extensive tooling can offer faster output for prototype and low-volume runs, ultimately providing a competitive edge in the market.
Challenges and Considerations
However, Desktop Metal’s innovative method is not without its caveats. While the Figur G15 is designed to enhance efficiency, some manufacturing experts remain wary of the speed and applicability compared to traditional stamping methods. The inherent cycle time of 30 minutes for the Figur G15 stands in stark contrast to the mere 30 seconds that conventional stamping can achieve, leading to questions about overall production efficiency.
Stamping vs. Digital Sheet Forming
The debate continues on whether the newer method can genuinely match the speed of established technologies. The traditional methods of stamping, while initially costly due to tooling, become economical at high volumes. As such, many manufacturing companies will still rely on stamping for mass production. Nonetheless, the Figur G15 shines for operations that prioritize flexibility and lower production runs.
Looking Forward: The Future of Sheet Metal Forming
The advancement represented by Desktop Metal’s Figur G15 and similar technologies suggests a future in which manufacturing becomes increasingly digital and streamlined. With rapid advancements in technologies such as AI and robotics, alongside efficient production methods like Digital Sheet Forming, the landscape of manufacturing is continually evolving.
While traditional methods remain indispensable for high-volume production, innovations like the Figur G15 are paving the way for more adaptable, cost-effective solutions that can cater to a broader array of manufacturing needs without the heavy investment in tooling and tooling lead times. As companies look to reduce costs and respond swiftly to changing market demands, technologies like these are positioning themselves as key players in the future of manufacturing.
For manufacturers and industry stakeholders interested in exploring Digital Sheet Forming further, resources such as the Smarter Every Day video provide an in-depth overview of the capabilities and advantages of this revolutionary technology.
The manufacturing industry is changing, and new inventions like Desktop Metal’s Figur G15 are making production faster and cheaper. This means that there are exciting new ways to create designs and make things.
