Westec Plastics First Medical Molder to Acquire Game-Changing Metal Printer
Summary
, a custom plastic injection molder and tool builder based in Livermore, CA, recently became the first company to acquire the P-200 metal 3D printer from Mantle Inc., the award-winning manufacturer known for its that combines CNC machining with 3D printing. Launched in September 2022 prior to the annual MAPP Benchmarking Conference, the P-200 is a hybrid system built on the CNC platform that integrates 3D printing of metal pastes with precision machining to produce parts with advanced accuracy and surface finish for tooling. “Using Mantle’s technology, we can complete up to 70% of the job and have our toolmakers handle the specialized steps that only humans can do.” Tool inserts can be built in as few as two weeks Barras says that the unique capabilities of the P-200 will slash production timelines. “Having the Mantle equipment in house will enable Westec to complete prototype and production steel tooling inserts — either P20 or H13 — with a much shorter lead time than standard mold builds,” Barras said. Both Westec and Mantle reportedly share a common vision of elevating toolmaking and manufacturing in the United States, making it more attainable based on the skill level of the current workforce.