PartsToGo Scales Additive Manufacturing Capabilities with Addition of Stratasys SLA Solutions
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Insights
PartsToGo's expansion through the acquisition of additional stereolithography (SLA) printers signifies a strategic move to capitalize on the increasing demand for industrial-level 3D printing. The investment in Neo printers, particularly the Neo800 and Neo450 models, is a direct response to the growing market for high-quality, accurate and repeatable parts. This move is likely to strengthen PartsToGo's market position by enhancing their production capabilities and meeting the specific needs of their customer base, which includes the automotive industry.
From a market research perspective, the decision to expand production capacity could be seen as an indicator of the health and potential growth of the 3D printing sector, especially in applications for prototyping, product testing and end-use parts. The mention of 24/7 production and increased automation suggests a shift towards higher efficiency and scalability, which could lead to improved margins and a competitive edge in the service bureau market. The adoption of an open material system also indicates a flexible approach to customer needs, which can be a differentiating factor in the industry.
The financial implications of PartsToGo's investment in SLA printers from Stratasys are multifaceted. On one hand, the capital expenditure required for this expansion may impact short-term cash flows. However, the expected increase in production capacity and operational efficiency could lead to higher revenue streams in the long term. The ability to produce parts with reduced finishing time—up to 50% according to the company—suggests a potential for cost savings in the production process.
Investors and stakeholders should monitor how this investment correlates with PartsToGo's revenue growth and margin expansion over the coming quarters. The company's ability to convert increased capacity into higher sales, particularly in the automotive sector, will be critical in assessing the success of this strategic move. Furthermore, the reliance on advanced materials such as Somos® resins for specific applications may also contribute to a unique value proposition, potentially allowing PartsToGo to command premium pricing.
The opening of a new facility with updated logistical capabilities by PartsToGo reflects a significant development in supply chain optimization for the 3D printing industry. The use of automation cells for scaling production is a clear indication of the company's commitment to meeting the growing demand efficiently. This approach not only enhances their manufacturing agility but also reduces the lead times for delivering high-quality end-use parts to their customers.
For the supply chain of 3D printing services, such investments in technology and infrastructure can result in a more resilient and responsive system. The ability to operate around the clock with dedicated production lines ensures that PartsToGo can fulfill orders with greater speed and reliability, which is critical in industries where time-to-market is a key competitive factor. The impact on the company's supply chain dynamics, including inventory management and customer satisfaction, could be significantly positive.
German service bureau adds four stereolithography printers for opening of a new dedicated production facility to meet growing customer demand for industrial-level prototyping, product testing, and high-quality end-use parts
PartsToGo is adding three Stratasys Neo800 printers. (Photo: Business Wire)
These Neo printers will play the leading role at a new specialist facility that PartsToGo has established in the Black Forest region. This facility, which opened its doors at the start of this year, offers 24/7 production and features updated logistical capabilities, a dedicated showroom, as well as two automation cells for scaling 3D printing production.
PartsToGo has evolved from an operation geared toward demonstrating 3D printing capabilities to customers, to a full-fledged service bureau. This was spurred by an increasing demand among customers without in-house additive manufacturing expertise, or those who lacked the production requirements to warrant investment in their own 3D printer.
“The ability to create large, high-quality parts, with an open material system on our Neo printers has led to many new business opportunities for our company,” said Tobias Röcker, CEO of PartsToGo. “Our additional printers allow us to scale production to meet the rapidly growing market needs while smartly managing our operational costs.”
According to Röcker, the Neo printer’s stereolithography-based resin technology is critical to create the high-quality, repeatable parts expected by customers.
“A large part of our customer base is in the automotive industry, a sector in which accuracy, reliability, and repeatability is paramount,” he noted. “Investing in accurate, high-quality systems like the Stratasys SLA solution empowers us to expand our 3D printing operation, moving it from a side-project to its own standalone business. Beyond automotive, we also serve many other industrial customers, including those with packaging and electrical application needs, providing small series production for prototyping, testing, and fixtures.”
Essential to PartsToGo’s ability to deliver high-quality resin models are the Stratasys materials Somos® WaterShed XC 11122 and Somos® WaterShed Black. These are versatile resins that deliver detailed parts with water resistance and a smooth finish, ultimately accelerating testing time. PartsToGo also use Somos® PerFORM for applications requiring a stronger, stiffer material with high heat-resistance, such as tooling and electrical casings.
”The superior quality and part consistency from our Neo printers has not gone unnoticed by our customers who have responded very positively. In many cases we were even able to convince customers who previously used other suppliers of our quality,” Röcker summarized.
PartsToGo enjoys maximum flexibility in their choice of materials thanks to the open material system of the Neo series. Finishing time is reduced by up to
About Stratasys
Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products and healthcare. Through smart and connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and parts on demand, Stratasys solutions deliver competitive advantages at every stage in the product value chain. The world’s leading organizations turn to Stratasys to transform product design, bring agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and improve patient care.
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