Wilson Tool uses additive manufacturing to reduce production cost, lead time and increased design flexibility of its tapping tool tanks. The tapping tool tanks were originally manufactured from cold rolled steel and welded in a wide variety of geometries requiring up to 45 minutes of direct labor per tank. New designs with a higher degree of complexity were also being developed that were difficult to produce conventionally.
Wilson Tool turned to additive manufacturing to improve the process and add design complexity without additional cost. Tank is produced with rigid polyurethane that is compatible with tapping solvent. Wilson Tool is able to keep stock low and produce tanks at the time of order. Even if there is a custom tank that’s needed, a design can quickly be developed and produced to meet standard lead times.