Methods 3D, a subsidiary of Methods Machine Tools, intend to launch seven new additive manufacturing labs to broaden their range across the U.S. and strengthen their position in the 3D printing market. The new labs are to each feature 18 printers and will allow the company to offer Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Select Laser Sintering (SLS) and Stereolithography (SLA) capabilities.
In addition to this news, it has also been revealed that they have appointed Director of Corporate Development James Hanson as Chief Operating Officer (COO) who said,
Our new additive labs are ideal for manufacturing professionals to consult our experts and explore ways to design and produce their components using the latest 3D technology integrated with conventional machining, automation and more
Hanson went on to add, “Engineers have been bringing their application challenges to us and we have been working with them to implement this technology into their manufacturing operations.“
The two companies have collaborated for some time now, with a formal partnership announced in in October 2015. 3DPI recently caught up with the CEO of 3D systems who in an exclusive interview, detailed his future plans for the company. Methods 3D is continuing this successful partnership with 3D systems, as Hanson explains;
By partnering with 3D Systems, whose core competencies complement Methods’ suite of metalworking machining and automation solutions, we will provide our customers the most advanced 3D printing available. We are at the front of this innovative technology that is poised to grow exponentially.
Earlier in the year 3DPI covered the unveiling of 3D Systems’ impressive new Figure 4 (pictured above). In today’s news the company revealed that the labs are to be located in; Sudbury, Detroit, Charlotte, Chicago, Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles. These locations are within each of Methods Machine Tools’ technology centers.
Featured image shows Methods 3D Figure 4 configuration at IMTS Chicago, photo by Michael Petch.
Paulo Cassin