MATSUURA’S METAL 3D PRINTING PRODUCING FACE SHIELDS TO HELP WITH THE COVID-19 CRISIS

St. Paul, MN (May 8, 2020) — Five days from the initial idea to the production of the first injection molded shield–this is how 3D metal printing helps fight the coronavirus epidemic.

Thanks to the triad of modern technology, professional knowledge and real will to help, Matsuura customer, Mold Tech Ltd. reacted as quickly as possible to the epidemic. The company relocated its entire production plant to the production of health protection shields.

This initiative was possible by utilizing a state-of-the-art metal printer, the Matsuura LUMEX Avance-25 metal laser sintering hybrid milling machine.

The Matsuura LUMEX greatly simplified and accelerated operations along with the expertise of Matsuura’s Hungarian distributor, Szimker Zrt.

Zalaegerszeg’s Mold Tech Engineering Office Ltd. Felt compelled to assist health professionals and their lack of protective shields. Thanks to their well-trained professionals and advanced tooling and injection molding fleet, along with their recently acquired and currently state-of-the-art Matsuura Lumex 3D hybrid metal printer, Mold Tech Ltd.

A machine with a powder bed and additive manufacturing technology does more than just build parts or tools from metal dust. Thanks to its built-in, high-speed milling head, it also machines surfaces, thus producing the current piece almost ready. With this method, it drastically reduces the number of multi-step processes used in tool manufacturing, so that the production of a complex injection mold can be measured in days / hours instead of weeks. The large reduction in tool production time is mainly because EDM and the use of inserts can be omitted as a result of machining between sintered layers.

This currently unique technology and associated CAD-CAM software was supplied to Japan by Matsuura, known for its 5-axis machining centers, now has an 18-year history in hybrid (powder bed construction + milling) technology, and the currently available LUMEX Avance machine represents the fifth generation.

The injection molding tool required to manufacture the shield has been designed with form-following internal cooling for fast shutter speeds using the CAM software included with the machine. Thus, not only the tool, but also the production of shields is significantly faster and more efficient, so it is possible that Mold Tech can provide the health care device used by doctors to its customers for a third of the current market price.

The unfortunate epidemic situation further highlights the importance of the introduction and application of cutting-edge technologies in Hungary, as the company successfully followed the rapidly changing market demands.

At Matsuura USA, we understand that the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its resulting impact has caused disruption and uncertainty for our customers. We remain ‘Open for Business’ and committed to providing consistent, high quality service while keeping our customers, business partners and employees safe and informed.

As we closely monitor the situation and follow guidance from public health officials and government agencies, including the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, we would like to express our gratitude for all local, state, and federal officials, as well as those in health care who are all working diligently to contain the virus.

At Matsuura, business continuity remains a priority for our leadership team and those that directly serve your needs. In response to the pandemic, we have proactively expanded our corporate preparedness plan, in place in the event of natural disasters or other widespread emergencies, to maintain business continuity. We are very focused on protecting the health and safety of our workforce, while maintaining the ability to keep serving you.

We are also grateful for the commitment our employees have in providing service and parts to our customers. The COVID-19 virus directive from the US Government stresses the need for employees in companies such as ours to continue to work to support critical infrastructure as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. Matsuura Commitment

We have no concerns about disruption nor delay of service, and there are no known impacts to our supply chain nor workforce that will impact demand for our products and services. Our technical and support teams are geographically dispersed throughout the US, allowing us to serve our customers’ needs at the same level of service we typically provide. We have also verified that our business partners have defined business continuity plans in place.

Employees who continue to work in our facilities are practicing stringent sanitation and social distancing. We have closed our facilities to most visitors, and all essential visitors are being screened.

Matsuura has a long history of serving our customers and we remain committed to being a trusted partner of yours during this difficult and unprecedented global event.

At Matsuura USA, we continue to supply 5-axis, vertical, horizontal, linear motor, multi-tasking CNC machine tools and machines with a powder bed metal AM platform with machining capability to many critical manufacturers whose operations are vital.

We encourage our customers to contact Matsuura with Sales, Applications, Service and Parts Requests. Our website will direct you to your local Matsuura Distributor for sales information.

At Matsuura USA, we understand concerns about COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) are top of mind for our customers and the community. We created a COVID-19 Resources Page on the Matsuura USA website to share content that we believe is relevant to your challenges related to the pandemic.

Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc., located in St. Paul, MN is the U.S. subsidiary of Matsuura Machinery Corporation in Japan. Since 1935, Matsuura has been the forerunner in designing innovative technology and manufacturing solutions to a variety of industries around the globe. Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. delivers unmatched excellence in 5-axis, vertical, horizontal, linear motor, multi-tasking CNC machine tools and machines with a powder bed metal AM platform with machining capability. Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. provides the service, applications and technical field support that have always been the Matsuura standard for business.