Westminster Tool showcases AM technology from Mantle
Westminster Tool, Plainfield, Connecticut, USA, has showcased its metal Additive Manufacturing capabilities during an open day at the company’s facility. In action was the recently purchased machine from Mantle, San Francisco, California, which demonstrated the hybrid Additive Manufacturing process by building a hardened H13 injection mould cavity with a conformal cooling for a complex automotive part.
Supported by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s Additive Manufacturing Program (AMAP), Westminster Tool’s purchase was made possible by partnerships with the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF), and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT). Last year, Westminster Tool was one of six recipients in the state to be awarded the AMAP grant.
“We wanted to bring together all the organisations that not only helped to make the acquisition of this technology possible, but everyone in our community that directly benefits from this,” stated Ray Coombs, Westminster Tool president and owner. “This technology has major implications for manufacturing education in the state, and this is only the beginning.”
State officials spoke to the importance of small businesses having access to support in order to drive technology in the state forward. Congressman Joe Courtney added, “Westminster Tool’s leadership and example is now being recognised not just here in your community, not just in the state of Connecticut, but across the country.”
Paul Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer, continued, “The reason why this is the future is because we are having difficulty with getting skilled toolmakers. With President Biden’s programme called AM Forward, it’s accelerating the adoption of Additive Manufacturing across the United States. Connecticut is a leader in that adoption.”
Westminster Tool’s press event was followed by a technology showcase for customers and prospects, where the company highlighted more technology adopted in the last few years (supported by a $1.5 million investment) and invited its customers and prospects to tour the main facility and attend a reception at a second facility.
