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 not choosing injection molding.
Here lie approximately 3,000 (disposable) nozzles from an order of 5,000 units. Our client is supplying these as part of a bonding application where a short lead time and flexibility prevail 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 one can decide relatively late on the timing and quantity of the order. After all, no tooling is involved that needs to be planned for delivery in advance. Additionally, it naturally offers more opportunities to make design adjustments between production batches.
Because Tenco focuses primarily on more complex production challenges, there is naturally not much to be gained from this assignment. But it is satisfying that we can deliver such a product in a short time and thereby keep a satisfied customer.
