3D Software

GKN Sinter Metals launches InstAMetal platform for metal additive manufacturing

GKN Sinter Metals are the world’s largest producer of precision powder metal products. The company will take, “next big stride in digitization” with the launch of the InstaAMetal platform at the forthcoming RAPID expo and conference next week. The platform was developed together with innovative start-up 3YOURMIND.

As previously reported by 3D Printing Industry, GKN has entered into a number of partnerships across the Additive Manufacturing sector. Metal additive OEM EOS and innovative materials supplier Metalysis are both working on projects with the company.

GKN told us that, “GKN Sinter Metals is well positioned to accelerate the industrialization of Metal AM products by enabling their order at the push of a button.” The platform will offer prototyping capabilities for the development cycles of the automotive sector and bring, “ the speed and simplicity of online ordering to engineering prototypes.

GKN are also active in the Aerospace sector. Photo via GKN.
GKN are also active in the Aerospace sector. Photo via GKN.

The Amazon of Additive Manufacturing

Speaking about the announcement Dr. Peter Oberparleiter, CEO GKN Powder Metallurgy, said,

Our aim is to make the ordering of metal AM prototypes as easy as placing an order on Amazon for our customers. The ordering process is simple and intuitive. Customers upload 3D models of a product directly to the new online platform, so we make AM accessible for everybody!

GKN describe four advantages of the InstAMetal platform – support, availability, instant quoting and speed. GKN describe the advantages further,

Support: Various tools will be introduced to help the customer with a feasibility analysis of the parts to be produced.

Availability: The availability of contact persons or different time zones is no longer an issue. The order process can be initiated around the clock from anywhere in the world.  

Instant quoting: Customers get their quote immediately at the push of a button. This simplifies the calculation for more unusual prototypes and makes production easier to plan.

Speed: Fast completion of a feasibility analysis and immediate price information significantly reduce the order and process times.

A more efficient process

GKN will continue to offer the individual customer consulting that is a hallmark of the company, however the new platform is anticipated to also reach a wider user group. Dr. Oberparleiter said, “We want to use the time we gain through the more efficient ordering process and the shorter time spans to interact with our customers – for dialogue, developing joint strategies and also for individual consulting on complex topics. The time is much better invested in these areas for both our customers and GKN.”

The beta testing phase of InstAMetal will be launched at next week’s RAPID + TCT taking place from May 8-11 in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Application for the beta phase can be made here.

3D Printing Industry will be reporting from the event, so follow our active social media channels and subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with what is promising to be a record year for the trade show.

Also, voting is still open for the 3D Printing Industry Awards. The leading enterprises across the 3D Printing Industry as nominated by our readers are represented, let us know if you agree by voting now.