Let’s Talk Leveraging SAF Technology for On-Demand Production

3D Printing

Within the manufacturing industry, Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF), a type of powder-bed fusion technology, is creating a buzz with its capability to significantly speed up production times. Unlike traditional methods that can take weeks, SAF enables the creation of thousands of parts in just a few days. This rapid turnaround is essential for industries that need to meet tight deadlines and swiftly respond to market demands.

Key Advancements Enabling On-Demand SAF Production

One of SAF's standout features is its rapid production time, allowing thousands of parts to be made in just a few days, unlike other technologies that take weeks. This speed is crucial for industries needing quick turnarounds to meet deadlines and market demands. Another major benefit of SAF is its high throughput. With fast-printing capabilities and efficient part nesting, SAF can produce more parts simultaneously without losing quality. This boosts productivity and lowers costs, making SAF ideal for large-scale production.

How On-Demand SAF Production Works

On-demand SAF production is a streamlined process designed for efficiency and speed. It begins with receiving a request for parts, whether it's just one or as many as 5,000. The 3D CAD model is then imported into GrabCAD Print Pro. The parts are nested, and the job is sent to the H350 printer for production. After printing, the parts undergo post-processing such as bead blasting or vapor smoothing. In as little as 18 hours from the initial request, the parts can be ready to ship. This demand-based production model ensures that only the needed parts are printed with little waste, optimizing resources and turnaround time.

Companies Implementing On-Demand SAF Production

Several companies are harnessing on-demand SAF production to enhance their operations. Here are just a few –

GO Orthotics produces custom orthotics solutions on-demand.

Goetz Machinenbau, a service bureau with four H350 printers, creates parts as needed for their customers.

NASCAR utilizes this technology for short-run production of hood vents

Stratasys has used the H350 to produce parts for their equipment during supply chain crises.

Roush Performance manufactures camera housings on-demand to complete their vehicles.

"(3D printing) allows us to manufacture orthotics with amazing specifications and unique features that weren’t possible in traditional orthotic manufacturing." Tim Ganley – Go Orthotics Managing Director. Read more about the Go Orthotics customer success story here.

These examples highlight the growing adoption of the H350 printer and SAF technology and the transition towards on-demand production models across various industries. As more businesses adopt SAF, we can expect to see a continued shift towards more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible manufacturing solutions. The future of manufacturing is here, and it is being shaped by the innovative capabilities of SAF.