King Machine acquires AddUp FormUp 350 for tyre molds
June 18, 2024
King Machine, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, has announced its acquisition of a FormUp 350 Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machine from AddUp, headquartered in Cébazat, France.
With over seventy years of experience in tyre mold manufacturing, King Machine has adopted Additive Manufacturing in an effort to enhance its product quality and manufacturing efficiency. By utilising AddUp’s FormUp 350, King Machine has reportedly already achieved an unprecedented level of precision and quality in its tyre sipes which was not possible using the manufacturing technologies deployed by their current supplier.
Previously, the manufacturing of the tyre sipe mold component was outsourced overseas, leading to supply chain inefficiencies and high costs for King Machine. To address these issues and remain competitive in the US market, vertical integration was a necessary step. By bringing the manufacturing process in-house with Additive Manufacturing, King Machine has reportedly improved profitability, enhanced sustainability, and elevated its capabilities, enabling their customers to set a new standard in quality and performance in servicing their clients.
The decision to select the AddUp FormUp 350 machine was reportedly driven by its proven success in the tyre industry, higher throughput and lower total cost of ownership. Its 350 mm platform, four-laser setup is said to result in operational cost savings through reduced labour, fewer post-processing steps, and faster machine turnover.
“We chose the AddUp FormUp 350 because of its exceptional performance and cost efficiency,” explained King Machine’s CEO Michael Wells. “This machine not only meets our high-quality standards but also enhances our operational capabilities, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the tyre mold manufacturing industry.”
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