Additive Manufacturing Systems
Harbec, Inc. and NYSERDA Announce $1 Million Project to Demonstrate the Transformative Potential of Energy-Efficient 3D Printing
Harbec to achieve superior energy performance by integrating principles of 'biomimicry' into advanced mold-making tools and techniques, made possible by 3D printing
Ontario, NY – Harbec, Inc. (www.harbec.com) has been awarded a $400,000 project from NYSERDA to demonstrate high performance energy-efficient 3D printing. Harbec's project was awarded under NYSERDA's Program Opportunity Notice (PON) 2736: Transformative Technologies for Energy-Efficient Manufacturing (TTEEM). Harbec's award will be applied to a total project budget of $998,000. Harbec is providing 60% cost share to the project.
U.S. based manufacturers including Harbec continuously face pressures from their customers to (1) enhance product quality and performance, and (2) reduce costs. The capabilities of non-U.S. based manufacturers have advanced tremendously in the past two decades. As a result U.S. manufacturers not only compete against each other, but also against lower-cost producers in China and other Asia-Pacific region nations. To exacerbate the challenge, U.S. manufacturers are working hard to manage their energy costs, regulatory requirements, and other costs of doing business.
To remain competitive in global economy, businesses like Harbec have to innovate. In this project Harbec will demonstrate the use of 3D printing (additive manufacturing) which will increase value-based productivity and increase manufacturing capacity. The project will feature Harbec's ability to use additive manufacturing processes to "grow molds" which take on the principles of biomimicry resulting in the development of a new generation of higher efficiency manufacturing tools.
Bob Bechtold, President of Harbec states, "We strive for excellence in all we do. That is how we remain competitive. As part of our energy policy, Harbec is always aspiring to improve our energy efficiency and performance. Our project with NYSERDA is a testament to our commitment to evolve through innovation and continuous improvement. 3D printing enables us to design and construct molds in ways we never thought possible. We are thrilled to discover the full potential this technology can have for making more energy efficient molds that result in tangible energy, cost, and productivity benefits for our customers, our business, and the State."
For more information on Harbec please contact us, info@harbec.com.
About HARBEC
Founded by Bob Bechtold in 1977, HARBEC's mission is to provide tightly toleranced prototypes, tooling, machined components and quality injection molded parts in a sustainable manner with a social conscience. They provide superior customer service, satisfaction and timely delivery of custom engineered solutions. HARBEC proudly foster an atmosphere of encouragement and respect for the health and prosperity of their customers, employees, and the global community.
Harbec provides capabilities and solutions for the consumer product, sporting goods, defense/aerospace, transportation, medical, marine, and energy industries. Harbec has capabilities in the use of innovative materials, problem-solving, and working with R&D and commercial organizations on unique prototypes or engineering and manufacturing groups on high volume production. HARBEC has capabilities for short (1-to-100 parts) or longer run (>1M parts) production.
HARBEC is certified as an ITAR, ISO9000-2008, ISO14001, and ISO15001/SEP Company, demonstrating its use of "ecoeconomic" decisions and policies designed to ensure that its activities are sustainable. HARBEC has developed and implemented a myriad of solutions to offset emissions, utilize waste and conserve resources. HARBEC reached its goal of "no carbon footprint" in 2013. Currently, the facility has a 250kW and 850kW wind turbines and operates a twenty-five microturbine combined heat and power plant which generates electricity and provides thermal energy to meet the heating and cooling requirements of the facility. For more information, please visit: www.HARBEC.com.
Media Contact:
Kate Chamberlain
HARBEC, Inc.
(585) 265-0010
katec@HARBEC.com
