As the 3D printing industry grows, so do connections between businesses. Many new partnerships are being created with a contract, a handshake, and new opportunity to be forged worldwide, as well as in more specific domestic markets.
As industry and manufacturing are in the process of being revolutionized and transformed, we see a growing list of materials being used to make a very long list of high-quality components, products, and prototypes. One material, though, is at the forefront: metal.
Power and strength are associated with 3D metal printing. Also bringing those qualities together with industry experience and expertise in their newly announced partnership, 3D Systems and Scarlett, Inc. plan to work together in distributing a comprehensive lineup of 3D printing solutions for use with metal.
With intentions for Scarlett to handle the Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio corridors, they will be focusing on representing 3DS applications and technologies.
“Our focus is on production applications of 3D Systems technologies, and as such we have installed and are currently running a direct metal printer in our Grand Rapids showroom, producing fully dense parts in stainless steel,” Mike McLean, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Scarlett Inc., told 3DPrint.com.
As an industrial equipment distribution group, Scarlett will begin selling production grade 3D printers to a number of different industries to include those involved in making components in tool and die, aerospace, automotive, medical, and furniture industries.
“Additive Manufacturing, or 3D printing, has grown from a method of rapid prototyping to a viable means of production for low to mid-volume or highly customized parts,” states Mike McLean, Director of Additive Manufacturing for Scarlett. “With the production capabilities of 3D printing, businesses can streamline their product development processes and bring high performing parts into production without a significant investment in tooling.”
Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Scarlett just happens to have the largest 3D metal printer in their state. The team at Scarlett has recently installed a ProX300 Direct Metal Printer in its Grand Rapids showroom.
“We hold the precedent of unparalleled technical competency with the machines we distribute,” explains James Scarlett. “By having the ProX300 on-site, we’re able to engage manufacturers on their terms, and fully demonstrate this product’s capabilities.”
While 3D printing in metal is becoming more accessible to everyone, it is as a rule relegated still only to businesses engaged in heavily industrial practices, requiring powerful machines and powerful materials for what can be very important components used for planes, cars, and more. These industrial grade 3D printers tend to be much more expensive, but affordability is offered with digital design and manufacturing associated with making 3D printing components—offering a wide-open marketplace—as well as giving way to many new partnerships within industries.
“Our reputation is built on solutions, service and responsiveness; by partnering with 3D Systems, Scarlett is able to provide solutions from the most complete lineup of technology in the 3d Printing industry,” says Chris Timmer, Sales Engineer at Scarlett.
Both Scarlett and 3DS are working together to get in on the action and propel growth along significantly in the area of the US Scarlett will be responsible for in terms of distribution for 3DS.
“We are incredibly excited to offer this technology to our manufacturing partners in the Midwest,” says McLean.
3D printing, and especially in metal, offers important, strategic processes that are currently touching nearly every sector one can think of, and companies like 3DS and their innovative partners are driving the technology forward, offering greater benefits to both companies and consumers worldwide.
What are your thoughts on how metal 3D printing is responsible for transforming manufacturing currently? Tell us your thoughts in the 3DS & Scarlett Inc. 3D Printing Solutions Partnership forum thread over at 3DPB.com.
