Michelin Molding Solutions (MMS) has continued to enhance its additive manufacturing arsenal with the acquisition of its sixth FormUp 350 Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) machine from AddUp SAS. This addition marks a strategic move for MMS, catering to the demanding requirements of tyre mold production.
The FormUp 350’s productivity and quality have enabled MMS to retire older, less efficient 3D printers. This advanced technology allows MMS to manufacture complex tyre mold inserts with unparalleled precision and speed. One FormUp 350 can now accomplish what previously took five machines, streamlining production and ensuring reliability.
“MMS is very pleased with the productivity and quality achievable on AddUp’s FormUp 350- this level of productivity allowed us to decommission older and less productive 3D printers,” said Glen Nelson, Technical Development Manager at MMS.
“We’ve seen improvements in the cleanliness and safety of our operations and our operators very much appreciate its ease of use from build plate programming to machine set up and the machine user interface.”
Over the past twenty years, MMS has leveraged metal additive manufacturing to produce millions of mold sipe inserts, continuously refining tyre performance. These advancements underscore Michelin’s commitment to innovation and excellence in tyre manufacturing.
In summary, Michelin’s acquisition of the FormUp 350 signifies a strategic investment in advancing additive manufacturing capabilities, driving efficiency, and meeting the evolving demands of tyre production.
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