$50,000 Saved on a Single Production Tool
Thermwood and General Atomics produced a CNC trim tool on LSAM,
cutting lead time from 6–8 weeks to less than 2.
The Project
Thermwood collaborated with General Atomics to produce a large CNC trim tool using LSAM. The tool was printed in ABS with 20% carbon fiber and then machined to its final shape on the same machine.
Compared with traditional methods, the printed tool saved around $50,000 and arrived in less than 2 weeks instead of 6–8.
Traditional Tool vs. LSAM Printed Tool
The Details
- Machine: Thermwood LSAM 10' x 20'
- Material: ABS with 20% carbon fiber
- Print time: 16 hours
- Machining time: 32 hours
- Final part weight: 1,190 lb
- Lead time: less than 2 weeks, down from 6–8 weeks
The Results
- Cost savings: around $50,000
- Cost reduction: 2–3x
- Faster development: 3–4x
- Final product: a production-capable tool
- Vacuum integrity: achieved without coatings
- Capability: suited to large, deep 3D geometries, backup structures and vacuum piping
Printed, Then Trimmed to Final Shape
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