Traditionally, the creation of a new valve involved subtractive manufacturing. Today, however, the new technology of additive manufacturing (AM), e.g., 3D printing is slowly transforming the industry. A custom manufacturing company can now design and produce a prototype valve and final product to customer specifics using a digital template.
Innovations and New Technology
3D printing has been in existence since the 1980s. It has only recently made the move from certain types of manufacturing concerns into the production of valves. Some consider it the most innovative technology in valve manufacturing in the past two centuries. This is certainly valid when it comes to sand casting. However, it is also a matter of materials.
For many valve manufacturers, the material of choice is metal. For those who utilize polymers, AM is a natural fit. The majority of companies utilizing 3D printing use polymers for their primary material choice. However, current technology allows not only the use of metals in the process but can employ multiple materials and colors. This allows any custom manufacturing company to produce a prototype valve that meets the exact and exacting specifications of their customers.
Benefits of AM
AM technology is versatile. It allows companies to produce a prototype – rapid prototyping, or an entire product. It also allows variations. A company can use AM to produce a finished item or one that requires further fabrication. It also offers several benefits to valve manufacturers including:
* It produces an exact, functioning prototype
* The prototype is a working model
* It is faster and easier to produce with fewer steps
* It does not require any assembly
* Overall, AM is ideal for custom work.
Valve Custom Manufacturing Company
AM can be expensive to install. Successful application requires knowledge of the specific AM technology and the desired part. For a custom manufacturing company, the initial constraints may no longer be optional. In the future, it will be simply part of the cost of being competitive.
