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of sales, application engineers and service technicians.
The additive manufacturing labs are in each of Methods
Machine Tools’ technology centers including Sudbury,
MA (Boston) headquarters; Detroit, MI; Charlotte, NC;
Chicago, IL; Phoenix, AZ; San Francisco, CA; and Los
Angeles, CA.
“Our new additive labs are ideal for manufacturing
professionals to consult our experts and explore ways
to design and produce their components using the latest
3D technology integrated with conventional machining,
automation and more,” Hanson stated. “Engineers have
been bringing their application challenges to us and we
have been working with them to implement this technology
into their manufacturing operations”
Before his recent appointment as Methods 3D COO, Mr.
Hanson was director, corporate development of Methods
Machine Tools, Inc. from 2007 through 2015. Relishing his
new role at Methods 3D he added, “By partnering with 3D
Systems, whose core competencies complement Methods’
suite of metalworking machining and automation solutions,
we will provide our customers the most advanced 3D print-
ing available, in addition to the highest level of service, sup-
port and solutions that Methods Machine Tools is known for.
We are at the front end of this innovative technology that is
poised to grow exponentially.” Hanson considers the latest
developments from 3D Systems and in particular, Figure 4,
“a game changer”.
In October 2015, Methods Machine Tools announced it
entered into a partner agreement with 3D Systems, a pro-
vider of the most advanced and comprehensive 3D digital
design and fabrication solutions available today, including
3D printers, print materials and cloud-sourced custom parts.
Methods 3D, Inc., a newly formed subsidiary of
Methods Machine Tools, Inc. continues to broaden its
presence in 3D printing through the completion of seven
additive manufacturing laboratories strategically located
across the U.S.
In addition, at IMTS 2016 Methods 3D introduced
exciting new advancements in 3D technology via an inte-
grated production cell, made compelling presentations and
showcased the very latest in 3D printing systems. Methods
3D has also added personnel to support its new infrastruc-
ture, and Mr. James Hanson was appointed as Chief Oper-
ating Officer (COO).
At IMTS, the packed Methods 3D booth featured an
innovative new concept demonstrating how 3D technology
can be deployed in an automated production cell environ-
ment. 3D System’s modular ‘Figure 4” cell was operating
lights-out with Fanuc robotic arms, mass-producing mul-
tiple parts.
Discrete modules in the system enable automation to
pass 3D printed parts from design to printing to washing,
curing and final finishing, all without human involvement.
At the IMTSAdditive Manufacturing Conference, Methods
3D general manager Ben Fisk presented “The Integration
of Additive Manufacturing with Traditional Machining” to
a throng of almost 500 attendees, while 3D Systems CEO
Vyomesh Joshi highlighted Methods 3D at their IMTS pre-
sentation as a key strategic partner for the implementation
of Additive Manufacturing solutions into production.
Methods 3D advanced new additive manufacturing labs
are outfitted with 18 printers including Direct Metal Print-
ing (DMP), Select Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography
(SLA) and Multi-Jet models running 14 different materials.
A full complement of post-processing equipment such as
EDM, CNC machining, automation and inspection is also
onsite and each location is fully staffed by a dedicated team
Methods 3D Expands Presence Via
New U.S. Additive Manufacturing
Labs
“Figure 4” Automated 3D Production Cell
Methods 3D Additive Manufacturing Lab