Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Thermwood recently collaborated with General Atomics to produce a CNC trim tool with a significant cost savings of around $50,000 when compared to traditional methods.
The Results
This cost and time savings breaks down to:
Cost reduction: 2-3x
Faster development: 3-4x
Final Product: A production capable tool
Vacuum Integrity: Vacuum integrity without the need for coatings
Final Result: A tool that is suitable for large, deep 3D geometries, backup structures and vacuum piping
Using a Thermwood LSAM 10’x20′, the tool was printed from ABS (20% Carbon Fiber Filled) in 16 hours. Total machining time was 32 hours. The final part weighed 1,190 lbs, and represented a cost savings of around $50,000 when compared to traditional methods. Total lead time for the part decreased from 6-8 weeks to less than 2 weeks by utilizing the powerful LSAM system.
Tags: General Atomics, Thermwood, tools, woodworking
