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automation workflow in order to reduce scrap and enhance quality. When it comes to robotics, we’ ve integrated three-axis extraction and six-axis systems that can receive a part from the extraction robot, perform post molding machining, check it dimensionally, and deliver it to final inspection and packaging. For example, we currently have three dedicated cells doing exactly that with a safety helmet product. The part comes out of the tool, is introduced to the six-axis robot, which machine it to achieve the final finish. That level of repeatability simply is not achievable by hand, and by running these operations incycle rather than out-of-cycle, we achieve a much faster production process,” he explains.
“ Leadership in technology has also completely revolutionized rp + m, our 3D printing company,” states Matt.“ Back in 2018, rp + m lead a multifunctional team effort funded by the United States Department of Defense( DoD) to demonstrate a methodology for controlling machine repeatability and material reliability – enabling the development and validation of two specifications for the 3D printing of production parts for the aerospace, space and defense industry. The DoD-funded project may be one of the few governmentinitiated programs of its kind to be fully executed in line with its original thesis. We fully developed the specification, which required extensive validation and printing tens of thousands of parts across multiple machines at our facility and at two other sites across the US. Then, we aggregated that data to produce a reportable outcome, and the specifications were proven.
“ The publication of these specifications has enabled an entirely new opportunity for the defense industry and thereby for rp + m. The ability to engineer against a B Basis allowable means an entirely new set of production opportunities for the 3D printing of thermoplastic materials. Our team has become well versed at assisting engineers from Tier 1 defense contractors to utilize the specifications to their greatest potential – from updating dated drawings and revising to new manufacturing standards, to enabling full production using printed components,” Matt states.“ Our small prototyping company born out of a couple machines I bought for demonstration purposes is now revolutionizing the defense industry for programs critical to national security. It’ s a complete success story.”
By refusing to stop at the boundaries of what the industry considers possible, Thogus has evolved into a group of complementary businesses capable of serving everything from consumer appliances to military aircraft. ■
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