Exciting news for the manufacturing industry! A groundbreaking white paper from Vertex Corporation has just been released, showcasing the immense potential of new materials and manufacturing techniques. These innovative materials and processes are set to redefine the way we produce parts and fixtures.
PCTG ESD Safe Material: A Game-Changer for Electronics
One of the standout materials featured in the white paper is PCTG ESD safe material. This material has proven to be a game-changer, especially for the electronics industry. Vertex Corporation reports astonishing cost savings of up to 99% and a time reduction of 86%. These numbers are nothing short of remarkable, and they highlight the transformative power of advanced materials in manufacturing.
It’s essential to understand that such substantial savings not only make machines like ours highly cost-effective but also ensure a rapid return on investment. The white paper is a testament to the fact that modern manufacturing techniques can revolutionize the industry.
Scaling Up the Savings
While many companies can claim impressive cost savings, what sets us apart is our ability to scale up the process. The savings achieved aren’t limited to producing a single part; they can be extended to thousands or even tens of thousands of parts each year. This scalability is where the true difference lies, and it opens up exciting possibilities for high-volume production.
H10 CF-25: A Stiff Material That Rings Like Aluminum
Another noteworthy material featured is H10 CF-25. This material serves as an excellent substitute for aluminum 6061, boasting not only high performance but also a unique characteristic. It has a distinctive aluminum ring to it and is stiffer per mass than aluminum 6063. Through strategic design and material placement, parts produced with H10 CF-25 can even surpass the strength of aluminum 6061.
What’s particularly intriguing is the method employed in printing with this material. Rather than using excessive support material, the parts are stacked during printing. A bridging technique is used, resulting in significantly less support material usage. This method enhances production efficiency and reduces costs, making it an excellent choice for manufacturers looking to optimize their processes.
Altum: World-Class Aerospace Material
For aerospace and high-performance applications, Altum is a standout material. This Altum variant is the same material certified for aerospace use, and the white paper emphasizes ongoing work for aerospace certification. Altum is known for its exceptional printability and performance, making it a preferred choice for aerospace components.
The white paper reveals an essential advancement in the realm of support materials. While older processes required support materials to be of the same material as the part, the new approach allows for various support materials like standard PVA and Aquasys. This enhanced flexibility is a testament to the evolving capabilities of modern manufacturing technology.
ESD Safe Soft TPU: Expanding Horizons
Another material in the spotlight is the ESD safe soft TPU. Unlike traditional ESD materials, this material isn’t limited to black; it’s available in various colors. It’s designed to be safe for electrostatic discharge (ESD) environments and stands out for not leaving conductive debris when in contact with surfaces.
Its soft yet ESD-safe properties make it ideal for aerospace applications, including creating disposable ESD-safe caps and covers for electronics intended for space missions. This material solves the challenges posed by custom, low-volume requirements in aerospace.
Moreover, ESD safe materials have applications beyond aerospace and can significantly improve safety in explosive environments, such as those found in the oil and gas industry. These materials are a crucial safety measure where sparks and discharges must be avoided.
Unlocking the Future of Manufacturing
The release of the white paper by Vertex Corporation is a significant milestone in the world of manufacturing. It showcases the transformative power of advanced materials, cost savings, and production efficiency. The ability to scale these innovations to high-volume production opens up a world of possibilities for manufacturers across industries.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into the details, we can provide access to the white paper in the comments. Keep in mind that achieving between 80% and 90% savings in time and money is now the industry standard. If your manufacturing process isn’t meeting these benchmarks, it’s time to reevaluate your approach.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments in manufacturing, and keep exploring new materials and techniques to revolutionize your production processes.