Westec Plastic installing its Mantle metal 3D printer.
The insert featured deep thin ribs that would have required extensive sinker EDM work to produce traditionally.
Mantle announced the deployment of its metal 3D printing system for toolmaking. Mantle's system automates how OEMs, molders and toolmakers make precision mold tool components, reducing lead times and costs while accelerating how manufacturers go from product idea to launch.
After completing multiple successful beta deployments, Mantle is shipping production versions of its P-200 printer and F-200 furnace incorporating additional hardware and process refinements. Westec Plastics, a custom plastic injection molder and tool builder based in Livermore, CA, received the first Mantle production system.
"Having the Mantle equipment in-house enables Westec to complete prototype and production steel tooling inserts with a much shorter lead time than standard mold builds," said Tammy Barras, President of Westec Plastics. "This will benefit our customers by providing production-quality steel tooling with aluminum tooling lead times."
Another Mantle customer, Westminster Tool, has successfully utilized its Mantle beta system for over one year. This manufacturer of precision molds located in Plainfield, CT, has produced components for prototype and production tools, including a complex mold insert for an industrial customer that was ordered by Xpress7, a Minnesota-based mold builder. Westminster Tool utilized Mantle's High-Precision Shaping capabilities to print the insert, reducing the cost and lead time by eliminating over 180 hours of EDM work and all CAM programming.
"The advantages of Mantle's technology are multiplied when it replaces traditional EDM operations. Running almost entirely unattended, it allows us to accomplish similar geometries with a fraction of the personnel and skill level," said Hillary Thomas, Westminster Tool Vice President.
For more information contact:
Mantle
1950 Cesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94124
415-655-3555
www.mantle3d.com
Westec Plastics
6757 Las Positas Road
Livermore, CA 94551
925-454-3400
www.westecplastics.com
Westminster Tool
5 East Pkwy.
Plainfield, CT 06374
860-564-6966
sales@westminstertool.com
www.westminstertool.com