With the help of a new 3D Systems Projet 2500 IC, Danish Idé-Pro has optimized the production of wax patterns for casting light metal parts.
The challenge
Idé-Pro, located in Danish Jutland, has been in business since the mid-90s, serving customers with low volume production in metal and plastics. Over the years, the company has added engineering and design services to the portfolio, as well as plastic 3D printing.
“Our core business is manufacturing prototypes and series production in plastics, light metal, EPP and EPS. The light metal materials we use are magnesium, zinc and aluminium”, says Per Henneberg Klausen at Idé-Pro.
“We see ourselves as a one stop shop with our own product development department, tool factory and manufacturing department, here in Denmark.”
With full capacity for inhouse casting, Idé-Pro is well equipped to handle all requests they get. But lead times for wax patterns – the parts that are needed for creating casting moulds – are long. Also, producing wax parts is traditionally a labour-intensive manual process.
The solution
In late January 2020, Idé-Pro installed a 3D Systems ProJet 2500 IC. The IC stands for Investment Casting, and means the company can produce wax patterns with faster lead times than traditionally manufactured patterns.
“It delivers wax patterns with a very nice surface finish and sharp edges. It does all that really fast. We have had our own casting for several years and this is the next step in developing this business. Some call it gypsum casting version 2.0.
“Now, we can deliver low volume components in just a few days. Previously, our lead time for a cast part was around a full week. With our new 3D printer, we have shaved off at least a day or two. 3D printing also allows us to produce more geometrically complex parts.”
Another benefit of the new investment is that regional companies have noticed Idé-Pro’s use of 3D printing. That means an influx of new customers, a broader client base and increased revenue for Idé-Pro.
