MetShape GmbH: Pioneering Excellence in Sinter-Based Additive Manufacturing

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MetShape GmbH stands at the forefront of sinter-based additive manufacturing, specializing in the production of small and micro metal parts. Unlike many 3D printing service providers who focus solely on prototypes and individual components, MetShape delivers high-quality, finished components suitable for series applications. These designs often push the boundaries of what is achievable with conventional production technologies.

MetShape focuses on four main target markets: medical applications, micro-mechanics, luxury products, and aerospace, delivering precision and reliability in each field. Their expertise in sintering and LMM-Technology, which requires no post-processing, and their award-winning excellence in metal additive manufacturing, position them as a leader in producing high-quality, intricate components.

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Challenge

The commercial and technical teams at MetShape were spending a significant amount of time manually analyzing 3D CADs and 2D drawings from daily Requests for Quotations (RFQs) to determine the technical feasibility and cost of AM parts. This manual process was time-consuming, repetitive and error-prone, and it limited MetShape's ability to provide accurate and competitive quotes to their customers quickly. Experts also spent a lot of time on data transfer between their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and cost calculation tools.

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Solution

MetShape implemented 3D Spark, a software solution that automates manufacturing technology selection, costing and pricing for any part. 3D Spark platform analyzes 3D CAD files and 2D drawings using AI to generate accurate manufacturability, cost, lead time and CO2 calculations. MetShape can now receive RFQs from customers and then efficiently generate smart quotes based on real production costs and market price insights. 3D Spark and MetShape’s ERP are also connected via API so that processing and tracking orders are faster and safer.

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Results that matter

The implementation of 3D Spark has resulted in the following results for MetShape:

• Up to 70% reduction in quote delivery time: The time needed to process RFQs and generate quotes has been reduced by up to 70%.  This has freed up the Sales and Technical Teams’ time so that they can  focus on more value-added activities, such as business development, customer support and technology optimization.
• 3x fewer tools needed for quoting: 3D Spark platform has eliminated the need for MetShape to use multiple software tools to manually estimate the cost of AM parts. This has simplified the quoting process and made it more efficient.
• 100% elimination of efforts on unsuitable RFQs: 3D Spark can automatically identify RFQs that are not feasible for AM manufacturing. This has prevented MetShape from wasting time and resources on quotes that are not suited or economical for their manufacturing  processes.

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Benefits

Using 3D Spark has provided MetShape with several benefits, including:

• Reduced time and resources on manual tasks
• Shorter lead times
• Increased customer  satisfaction
• Improved order win rate
• Higher conversion probability

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Conclusion

MetShape has improved the efficiency of their AM costing and feasibility checks using 3D Spark. The integration with MetShape's tailored ERP software allows rapid processing of part orders. Benefits include instant cost estimation, enhanced workflow efficiency, and reduced time and resources on manual tasks.

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Quote from Dr.-Ing.Andreas Baum, CEO at MetShape

More about MetShape

MetShape GmbH is a leader in sinter-based additive manufacturing, specializing in producing high-quality, finished small and micro metal parts for series applications, often surpassing the capabilities of conventional production technologies.

MetShape focuses on 4 main target markets:

Medical Applications: MetShape’s commitment extends to the medical field, where precision and reliability are paramount.

Micro-Mechanics: Their expertise caters to intricate micro-mechanical components, ensuring unparalleled accuracy.

Luxury Products: MetShape contributes to the world of luxury watches and dials, where aesthetics and functionality converge.

Aerospace: Their impact literally reaches the skies, providing critical components for aerospace applications.

Special fields of experience:

Sintering Excellence: MetShape’s exceptional sintering expertise enables them to achieve precision and dimensional accuracy that is unmatched, whether producing small quantities or large-scale series. The surface finish of their parts sets an industry standard, while the intricate detailing in small and micro components remains unsurpassed. Importantly, MetShape’s parts require no post-processing;they are ready for use straight from the production line.

LMM-Technology (Lithography based Metal Manufacturing): MetShape stands out as one of the very few service providers utilizing LMM-Technology. This cutting-edge approach ensures that their parts exhibit Ra | Rz values unmatched in the industry. The precision and surface quality achieved through this technology elevate MetShape’s offerings to new heights.

Award-Winning Excellence: MetShape’s unique approach to sinter-based additive manufacturing culminated in their well-deserved victory—the Metal Additive Manufacturing Award 2022. Their commitment to excellence, combined with innovative techniques, continues to shape the future of metal manufacturing.

MetShape GmbH exemplifies innovation, precision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of additive manufacturing.

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