Seco Tools 3D manufacturing creates new opportunities

NEW YORK - April 27, 2023 - PRLog -- The development and manufacture of prototypes for metal-cutting machining by means of additive manufacturing (AM) is becoming increasingly commonplace in the operations of Seco Tools. One of the main strengths of this manufacturing method is the possibility of making specialized customer-specific tools and solutions that are difficult to achieve through conventional manufacturing. Above all, AM technology will come into its own when producing tools that must be designed in a special way.

Examples of such customizations include making the tools lighter, which improves the vibration-dampening properties, or provide them with better cooling possibilities. "By directing the coolant to hit the cutting edge at just the right place, we can significantly extend the tool's useful life. With AM technology, coolant can be guided to locations that would otherwise have been impossible," explains Ingemar Bite, R&D Specialist at Seco Tools, who also believes that AM technology is helping to shorten lead times. "AM allows for us to produce geometries that require less manufacturing steps, which often results in shorter lead times and thereby, faster deliveries."

Increased sustainability
AM technology will also open up the possibility of repairing broken tools in the future, by removing dysfunctional components and printing them anew. This could, for example, involve tool components or the reuse of different types of machine-side connections. This is particularly a good idea in terms of the environment and sustainability. Another advantage with AM technology, compared with traditional manufacturing in this context, is that there is less waste of materials. Overall, not as much material is used for AM manufacturing and any leftover powder can be reused.

Continuous improvements
The R&D department at Seco Tools works continuously to improve the use of AM technology for the development and manufacture of new and existing products. The company is constantly looking into ways to improve its products and how to best utilize AM technology. "We like to collaborate with our customers on these efforts and to conduct tests together with them," says Ingemar Bite, who is of the opinion that even the materials can be developed. "The materials that are currently used in AM are no different in nature than those being used in conventional manufacturing, and the technology works well with many different metals. In the future, we will add even more and superior materials, while regularly adapting our equipment and upgrading hardware and software as needed," he concludes.

Seco Tools AB
PALMEN Bettina
Phone : +49 211 24 01 313
Fax : +49 211 24 01 275
bettina.palmen@secotools.com

http://www.secotools.com