A young machine operator that is just starting out in his new job in the world of precision machining was very excited. This wasn’t just any job; it was his chance to prove himself.  He was tasked with creating a part critical to the assembly of a new product. The specifications were strict and the tolerances tight. With the focus of a new hire, he sets to work.  He let the chips fly.

But then in a moment’s distraction, a minor miscalculation, the inevitable happened. The piece was cut, but too much was taken off the critical surface. A mistake that could be the difference between functionality and failure.

The young machinist examined the part and found that the part was too small!!  He took the part to his boss hoping he had a solution to save the day.   The boss, with a lifetime of experience, took one look at the piece, and after a moment that felt like an eternity, he spoke and his voice was steady and sure. “You need a more-on tool,” he said.

The young operator was puzzled, never having heard of such a tool in all his training. Seeing the confusion, the boss elaborated, “You need to put more on it.”

The story unfolds into an opportunity to search for new innovations. “You need to put more on it,” the words echoed, sparking curiosity, a trip to the Prototyping Solutions web site and then leading to realm of additive manufacturing.  He found resources and help the showed him that we’re not just bound by the traditional methods of cutting and carving away. There exists several groundbreaking types of additive machines.  Specifically, he found a trio of technological marvels that can add instead of subtracting. Technology that can repair and enhance. Flipping the rules of machining as we know it on its head.

Meltio

First among these marvels is the realm of 3D printers, a domain where Meltio stands tall. Imagine a print head not confined to the limits of subtraction, but one that builds, layer by layer, metal upon metal. Meltio’s technology harnesses the power of laser metal deposition, transforming metal wire into solid parts right before your eyes. It’s a process that feels almost like alchemy, turning simple strands into complex, functional components. This isn’t just making; it’s creating with the precision and artistry our young machinist aspires to master.  The Meltio Technology can be delivered three ways, 1. Stand alone, 2. At the end of a robot, 3. Inside a CNC machine. 

One Off Robotics

One Off Robotics stands at the forefront of technological innovation with its team of top notch  engineers, designers, and architects, dedicated to developing the world’s most sophisticated robotic fabrication systems. This commitment is epitomized by their pioneering Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) system. Designed as a comprehensive solution, the WAAM system is engineered to rapidly produce large metal parts, boasting a remarkable deposition rate of up to 4 kg per hour. This makes it an unparalleled tool for swiftly creating prototypes and facilitating small batch manufacturing at a fraction of conventional costs. The system’s user-friendly interface places control in the user’s hands. Its 8-axis capability is well suited for printing complex geometries with precision. Compatibility with any commercially available robotics additive software, use of standard metal wire for consistent, spatter-free layers, and an inclusive custom enclosure for safety further define its excellence. One Off Robotics alone with Prototyping Solutions not only deliver advanced technology but also ensures users are fully equipped with the necessary training and support. This approach underlines both company’s dedication to not just being a business, but a positive example to the community it serves.

DMG MORI

Then, there’s the world of DMG MORI, a name synonymous with excellence in the field of advanced manufacturing solutions. Picture a machine that encapsulates both the tradition of subtractive manufacturing and the revolutionary approach of additive techniques. DMG Mori’s machines offer something akin to a dance between dimensions, where metal is both removed with unmatched precision and added with exquisite detail. These are not just machines; they are gateways to possibilities, enabling repairs, enhancements, and the creation of parts that were once deemed unfeasible.

Other Solutions?

But the story doesn’t end here, for the exploration of machines that can “add more on it” or just create parts layer by layer leads us to discover not just two, but dozens of technological marvels. Note that beyond Meltio, One off Robotics, and DMG MORI lies a broader horizon of additive manufacturing technologies.  Each technology has its own unique capabilities, from Metal to Plastics, each offering a pathway to not just recover from mistakes but to transcend them.

As our young machinist learns of these technologies, his mistake transforms from a moment of failure to a pivotal point of growth. The realization that the manufacturing world is evolving, with machines that can add, repair, and create a new, opens a door to endless possibilities. It’s a testament to the fact that in the face of error, there lies opportunity—not just to correct, but to innovate and excel.

And so, the narrative takes us from a simple error on the shop floor to the forefront of manufacturing technology, where the future is being built one layer at a time. This is not just the journey of a young machinist but a glimpse into the future of additive manufacturing, where every mistake is a step towards discovery, and every challenge a chance to redefine the limits of what’s possible.

Summary

If you’re seeking innovative solutions, the team at Prototyping Solutions is here to assist. With expertise in identifying the correct materials and additive technologies tailored to your specific needs, we can help transform your production issues into opportunities for efficiency and growth. Our dedicated professionals are trained to guide you through the selection of the most suitable solutions. Don’t let production hurdles slow you down. Contact Prototyping Solutions today and take the first step towards learning more about “More-On” tools!!