Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) is adding to its additive manufacturing
capabilities by investing in a new, high-precision 3D metal printing
technology called binder jet. This investment is just the next step in
Cummins’ plan to revolutionize its manufacturing processes and
accelerate the company’s trajectory toward scaled production in additive
technologies.
Binder jetting is a technology where a print head moves across a bed of
powder and selectively deposits a liquid binding agent in the shape of
the section, bonding these areas together to form a solid part one layer
at a time. Depending on complexity of the part or component, the
technology can print 60 to 100 times faster than laser-based printing
processes.
Cummins’ additive manufacturing strategy is part of the company’s
implementation of Industry 4.0, the trend of automation, cloud computing
and data-driven technology that some call the “fourth industrial
revolution.” The company is initially focusing on printing low-volume
parts as it studies how best to use 3D technology in higher volume
manufacturing.
“By investing in 3D metal additive technologies from GE Additive, we are
investing in Cummins and our customers,” said Tim Millwood, Vice
President of Global Manufacturing at Cummins Inc. “This technology has
the potential to provide our customers with a quicker, lower-cost
production method that ultimately uses less energy, which means we can
better serve our customers and reduce our environmental impact.”
Cummins recently sold its first additively manufactured metal part – a
low-volume bracket without a current supplier – printed on a GE Additive
Concept Laser M2, moving it a significant step closer to fulfilling the potential
of additive manufacturing in production. With the addition of binder
jet technology, Cummins will be able to additively manufacture medium-
to large-sized complex parts, reliably, at high throughput and at a
comparatively lower cost.
The company currently has two Concept
Laser M2 DMLM machines; one is installed at the Cummins’ Technical
Center in Columbus, Indiana and the other, along with two other 3D metal
printers, is installed at the large Cummins Research and Development
Center in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. With the addition of GE Additive
Binder Jet printers, Cummins is now able to focus on its strategy for
higher-volume production.
Cummins is a strategic partner for GE Additive, which is quickly scaling
its binder jet technology, first into pilot lines, then into a complete,
industrialized factory solution – expected to be commercially available
in early 2021.
“In early 2019, we launched the beta testing and partner program and
deliberately sought out partners and key customers, like Cummins, who
are committed to mass production,” said Jake Brunsberg, Binder Jet
Product Line Leader. “As Cummins celebrates its 100th year,
it remains steadfast in its commitment to being at the cutting edge of
innovation. Above all, we want to partner with companies whose
businesses and customers will benefit tremendously from binder jet
technologies.”
Cummins’ binder jet machines are located at GE Additive’s lab in
Cincinnati, Ohio. Teams from Cummins will be co-located at the lab to
work on technology development before the machines are relocated to one
of its facilities later this year.
About Cummins
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary
business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad
portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from diesel
and natural gas engines to hybrid and electric platforms, as well as
related technologies, including battery systems, fuel systems, controls,
air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power
generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.A.), since
its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 62,600 people
committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global
corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities:
education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves
customers in approximately 190 countries and territories through a
network of approximately 600 company-owned and independent distributor
locations and over 7,600 dealer locations and earned about $2.1 billion
on sales of $23.8 billion in 2018. See how Cummins is powering a world
that’s Always On by accessing news releases and more information at https://www.cummins.com/always-on.
Follow Cummins on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cummins
and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/cumminsinc.
About GE Additive
GE
Additive – part of GE (NYSE: GE) is a world leader in additive
design and manufacturing, a pioneering process that has the power and
potential to transform businesses. Through our integrated offering of
additive experts, advanced machines and quality materials, we empower
our customers to build innovative new products. Products that solve
manufacturing challenges, improve business outcomes and help change the
world for the better. GE Additive includes additive machine providers
Concept Laser and Arcam EBM; along with additive material provider AP&C.
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