TETHON 3D
MEETING DEMAND
Tethon 3D utilizes lean practices, which are a good fit for its operations. “3-D
printing is not ideal for mass production at this time,” Linder states. “We’ve
seen its value more in customizing and prototypes.”
In fact, according to a 2016 Price Waterhouse Coopers report, 71 percent of
U.S. manufacturers are currently utilizing 3D printing technology, mostly for
prototypes, but 42 percent believe that in the next three to five years it will be
used for high-production volumes.
Lean allows Tethon 3D to reduce production time, cost and material use. But
one area where the company continues to see increases is in customer
demand.
For example, the company has experienced strong demand for
its Porcelite® ceramic resin since its launch in February 2016. “We’ve moved
all the manufacturing to a large-scale contract manufacturer,” Linder says.
“That frees us up to do more R&D to develop the next product launch.”
PROVIDING GUIDANCE
Tethon 3D operates a residency program for people and companies who want
to learn about 3-D printing and ceramics, Linder says. “We offer onsite
housing and training on the use of our products with a variety of existing 3-D
printer hardware technologies, so visiting residents may develop their own
additive manufacturing businesses,” she describes.
The company also regularly partners with academic institutions. “They are all
interested in ceramic manufacturing and 3-D printing,” she says. “We give
workshops to assist schools with incorporating ceramic 3-D printing into their
curriculum.”