Wisconsin-Based Evology Manufacturing is offering rapid production of sheet metal parts without stamping dies or tooling after installation of its new Figur G15 Pro, a machine tool from Desktop Metal that uses patent-pending Digital Sheet Forming (DSF) technology. (Photo: Business Wire)
The Wisconsin-based company is an ITAR-registered full-service contract manufacturer with more than 30 years of experience using traditional and additive manufacturing.
BOSTON—Additive manufacturing technology company Desktop Metal reported that it installed four Figur G15 Pro systems featuring Digital Sheet Forming (DSF) technology for three manufacturers, including Evology Manufacturing in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
With 30-plus years as a contract manufacturer, Evology has a full suite of traditional and additive technologies to service companies in a wide range of industries. These industries are reported to include aerospace, defense, automotive, agricultural, marine, mining, medical, electronics, and consumer goods. Evology serves companies ranging from small startups to Fortune 50 companies with prototyping and low-volume production, typically under 10,000 pieces, according to a release from Desktop Metal.
Evology is now offering digital sheet formed parts off its Figur G15, for cold rolled steel up to 2mm thick and 6061 aluminum up to 3.175mm thick. More materials are in development.
“We are delighted to offer our customers this cutting-edge rapid sheet metal forming technology from Desktop Metal,” said Evology Vice President of Business Development and Marketing Sean Momsen, in the release. “In addition to our ability to fabricate sheet metal parts rapidly, we also have a full suite of traditional finishing equipment to deliver finished final products to customers.”
Justin Nardone, CEO of Figur, a Desktop Metal brand, said, “We are encouraged by the continued demand we see for our rapid sheet metal forming technology, which truly saves manufacturers time and money when it comes to sheet metal production. The G15 eliminates a lot of the work required when forming metal, such as the design and manufacturing of tools and dies. Our system produces designs quickly, accurately, and repeatedly, so manufacturers are able to focus on the craftsmanship of design while getting their products to market faster and more efficiently.”
Introduced in 2022, the Figur G15 is reportedly the first commercial platform of its kind to shape sheet metal on demand directly from a digital file. A software-driven proprietary tooling system on an XY gantry forms the sheet with up to 2,000 pounds of force in a highly engineered and proprietary build zone, the release said.
With a maximum sheet size of 1,600 x 1,200mm (63.0 x 47.2 inches), the Figur G15 delivers parts with a draw depth up to 400mm (16 inches) in Z without custom forming tools, molds, dies, or presses. The G15 supports forming a range of metals and sheet thicknesses—including steel up to 2.0mm and aluminum up to 2.5mm—and delivers a high quality surface finish, according to the release.
Pro configurations of the Figur G15 are reported to include an automatic tool changer and measurement, through tool part lubrication, and automated work holding capabilities.