While the most attractive applications for Additive Manufacturing lie in the high-complexity/low-volume market, this is yet another exception that proves the rule. Additive Manufacturing will not replace injection molding, but there are cases where it is indeed the right solution for a ‘low-complexity/high-volume’ application and where there are other drivers for choosing not to opt for injection molding.
Approximately 3,000 (disposable) nozzles from an order of 5,000 units are lying here. Our customer is supplying these as part of a bonding application where a short lead time and flexibility take precedence over a low cost price.
When production or assembly lines are modified frequently, a short lead time is often of great importance. The value of flexibility lies in the fact that decisions regarding ordering time and quantity can be made relatively late. After all, no tooling is involved that needs to be planned for delivery in advance. Additionally, it naturally provides more opportunities to make design adjustments between production batches.
Because Tenco focuses primarily on more complex production challenges, there is naturally not too much to gain from this assignment. However, it is satisfying that we can deliver something like this in a short time and thereby keep a satisfied customer.
