James Tool Brings 3D Printing to Workholding Manufacturing
North Carolina shop now utilizing additive manufacturing to assist in the Engineer Build of Hydraulic Workholding
Morganton, NC -- James Tool designs and manufactures a wide variety of hydraulic workholding devices, used in aerospace, automotive and other high-precision industries. Because of the continuous custom work done here, it is imperative that the company keep abreast of all technological developments in the design and production of its products. To that end, James Tool has recently installed 3D printing, a form of additive manufacturing, to its Engineer & Build Hydraulic Workholding Division at the company. James Tool also offers CNC Production Machining and Non-Production Precision Machining to its customers, who comprise major OEMs and suppliers to aerospace, automotive, off-highway, energy, nuclear and transportation industries.Â
According to Jeff Toner, president of James Tool, "We are always watching trends in the manufacturing industry and we started seeing 3D printing make an impact, some years ago. We waited until the technology had evolved and become more affordable before making our investment." The first machine was purchased recently and is currently used to support the company's workholding division as well as help in the estimating of CNC machining opportunities.Â
3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing, in which material is built-up, one layer at a time, to create a 3D solid working model from a CAD file. James Tool engineers believe this technology is substantially changing the way the company can serve its customers. It is referenced as additive manufacturing to distinguish it from the subtractive process of traditional machining, in which metal chips are removed from the surface of a blank workpiece.   Â
James Tool assigned a team to research the current 3D printing technology in great detail, before making their purchase decision to acquire a Stratasys Dimension 1200ES machine. This machine has the capability of running parts with a 10" x 10" x 12" envelope in an ABS plastic substrate.Â
As Toner explains, "We were up and running parts within two hours, after the installation and set-up. This included the initial calibration on the machine and training from the local technician."  Because James Tool had run 3D imaging in its CAD designs for over 15 years, the transition to 3D printing was practically seamless.Â
Jeff Toner notes that, while the interaction between James Tool and its customers has not changed substantially, it is quite helpful to have an actual part generated through the 3D printing process, before engineering and quoting begin. He sees this new capability as a positive extension of the existing customer service process.Â
Peering into the crystal ball for a moment, Jeff Toner also notes that he sees additive manufacturing as a true "game changer" for the machining world. "The day is not far off when subtractive machining will be obsolete and parts will be printed rather than machined using conventional methods." He plans for his company to become a leader in the additive and other advanced technology arenas. "The future of 3D manufacturing is really limitless, as anybody can now order a desktop 3D printer for their business or home office and have a 3D prototype part in less than a few hours. I expect this technology will revolutionize manufacturing and create a new breed of entrepreneurs." Â
Quantifying the impact of this new technology at James Tool, Jeff Toner concludes that 3D printing has already reduced engineering and quoting time substantially for workholding fixtures and CNC production jobs.Â
For more information on this development, please contact:Â
JAMES TOOL
130 Reep Drive
Morganton, NC 28655
Phone:Â 828-584-8722
Fax:Â 828-584-8779
Web:Â www.jamestool.com
Email:Â sales@jamestool.com
Attention: Kevin Moses or Jeff Toner Â
