3D Systems (NYSE: DDD), a leading provider of additive manufacturing solutions, and Precision Resource, a key producer of critical components for the automotive, heavy-duty, aerospace, and medical device industries, have announced a strategic partnership to enhance and expedite additive manufacturing. This collaboration will leverage the extensive application expertise of both organizations alongside 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing (DMP) platform, facilitating a quicker market entry for high-criticality industry applications. As part of this agreement, Precision Resource will integrate two 3D Systems DMP Flex 350 Dual 3D printers into its AS9100-certified facility in Huntington Beach, California. The integration of 3D Systems’ DMP technology with Precision Resource’s production processes, complemented by 5-axis machine centers and advanced inspection systems, will broaden their precision metal forming capabilities, providing innovative solutions to meet evolving customer needs and penetrate new markets.
The DMP Flex 350 platform from 3D Systems is designed for flexible application, spanning from development to serial production. Engineers from 3D Systems’ Application Innovation Group (AIG) collaborated with Precision Resource’s team to develop this solution. Both teams bring extensive expertise in metal manufacturing processes and high-value applications across various industries. This combined engineering proficiency, along with 3D Systems’ DMP technology and Precision Resource’s secondary finishing capabilities, has resulted in an efficient, robust, end-to-end manufacturing solution for additive manufacturing (AM) parts that meet the performance requirements of high-criticality components and address supply chain challenges through vertical integration.
The DMP Flex 350 platform features quick swap build modules and fast powder recycling to accelerate production. A central server manages print jobs, materials, settings, and maintenance to ensure 24/7 productivity. The unique vacuum chamber of the DMP Flex 350 printers significantly reduces argon gas consumption while maintaining best-in-class oxygen purity (<25 ppm), resulting in exceptionally strong parts with high chemical purity, superior metallurgical properties, and excellent surface finish. The printer also includes 3DXpert software, supporting the entire additive manufacturing workflow from design to post-processing, enabling rapid and efficient transition from a 3D model to successfully printed parts.
“We are excited to partner with 3D Systems, a company that shares our commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Chris Gratton, General Manager of Precision Resource. “This partnership allows us to leverage the latest advancements in metal additive manufacturing, further positioning Precision Resource at the forefront of technological progress. This expansion into metal additive printing underscores our commitment to providing exceptional value to our clients, customers, partners, and stakeholders. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we remain dedicated to our mission of excellence and continuous improvement.”
“Manufacturing parts for high-criticality industries requires precision without compromise,” said Jeph Ruppert, Vice President of Technical Business Development at 3D Systems. “Companies in these sectors demand constant innovation to meet the accuracy, speed, reliability, and productivity requirements of increasingly complex production. By combining the industry-leading technology and application expertise of 3D Systems and Precision Resource, we will deliver enhanced quality, improved total cost of ownership, reduced time to market, and minimized supply chain disruptions. I look forward to seeing how our collaboration can amplify and accelerate the potential of metal additive manufacturing.”
