Xact Metal, a metal additive manufacturing (AM) OEM, has partnered with System Create Co. to bring affordable metal 3D printers to Japan [e802a8fb]. The partnership aims to introduce a low-priced metal 3D printer that is relatively easy to incorporate in Japan. Xact Metal's printers can be introduced at less than half of the initial cost compared to conventional metal SLS 3D printers, and they require a small space for installation. The printers can use third-party materials, keeping operating costs low. This partnership is crucial for the success of metal AM adoption in Japan and will contribute to the development of distributed supply chains. Additionally, the entry into new overseas markets, such as Japan, may lead to a decrease in the cost of Xact Metal's platforms and increase its traction in the US market [e802a8fb].
America Makes, in collaboration with the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining, has announced a new project call worth $6.6 million [af1f39b4]. The project call, named Improvements in Manufacturing Productivity via Additive Capabilities and Techno-Economic Analysis 2.0 (Impact 2.0), aims to demonstrate lead time, productivity, and yield improvements for casting and forging manufacturing operations using additive manufacturing technologies. The project is funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program. The goal of the project is to enable members and project teams to research, develop, and implement advanced solutions in the casting and forging sector, while mitigating risks to the supply chain that impact defense and the economy [af1f39b4].
The partnership between Xact Metal and System Create Co. to introduce affordable metal 3D printers in Japan aligns with the goals of America Makes' project call. By bringing low-priced metal 3D printers to Japan, the partnership can contribute to the development of distributed supply chains and the adoption of metal additive manufacturing in the country. This can potentially lead to improvements in manufacturing productivity, including lead time, productivity, and yield, for casting and forging operations in Japan's manufacturing sector. The entry into new overseas markets, such as Japan, may also lead to a decrease in the cost of Xact Metal's platforms and increase its traction in the US market [e802a8fb].
The Impact 2.0 project call is expected to result in seven awards, with the maximum request for funding varying depending on the specific topic area. The project aims to address challenges in the casting and forging sector and mitigate risks to the supply chain that impact defense and the economy. By funding research, development, and implementation of advanced solutions in additive manufacturing, the project seeks to improve manufacturing productivity and enhance the competitiveness of the defense industry [af1f39b4].