ROCK HILL, South Carolina, September 18, 2019 – Lonati, a world leader in the production of machines for the hosiery industry, has selected 3D Systems’ (NYSE:DDD) additive manufacturing solutions to redefine its production workflow. Through the power of 3D Systems’ ProX® SLS 6100 and Figure 4® Standalone 3D printers, comprehensive materials portfolio and unparalleled applications expertise, Lonati has been able to accelerate innovation, improve time to market and reduce product development costs by 50%.
Lonati SPA, headquartered in Brescia, Italy, is a 150€ million global textile machinery manufacturer with more than 70 years’ experience. They are viewed as an industry leader that is constantly looking for ways to improve their processes to provide high quality, reliable products. The manufacturer produces 8,000 machines annually for 60 countries. The machinery Lonati creates requires extremely precise parts with very thin walls that can function at rapid speeds. They looked to 3D printing to enable production of high quality, precise and reliable components for its machinery.
“We work in a highly competitive global market,” said Marco Gavazzi, senior R&D designer, Lonati. “To remain an industry leader, we are constantly searching for new ways to deliver the best products possible. The machinery we produce undergoes highly-pressured pneumatics and we need to produce parts with the highest standard of mechanical properties to withstand these stresses. After multiple tests against similar products, we found the best results using 3D Systems’ solutions.”
Lonati is using 3D Systems’ ProX SLS 6100 for prototyping as well as production of jigs and fixtures. (Image courtesy of 3DZ)
Lonati is using 3D Systems’ ProX SLS 6100 for prototyping as well as production of jigs and fixtures. They are printing final parts for assemblies using a combination of the ProX SLS 6100 and Figure 4 Standalone using both DuraForm® ProX AF+ and Figure 4 TOUGH-GRY 10. In a side-by-side comparison with other currently available materials, Lonati has found that the 3D System’s materials have a 2X improved tensile strength, which is critical for durability in high stress environments.
“Using 3D Systems’ solutions as part of our product development cycle, we are realizing tremendous efficiencies,” said Michele Faini, designer, Lonati. “We initially purchased one 3D printer to produce one component for our machinery. However, because of the results we’re seeing, we have not only expanded to additional printers and materials, but also are creating more parts and assemblies. We’re fortunate to have partners like 3D Systems and 3DZ who are providing unparalleled applications expertise and support.”
“Lonati is a leading innovator in their category,” said Matteo Marcellini, channel manager, 3D Systems. “The way they have incorporated additive technologies into their production workflow and the results they are realizing provides compelling proof that 3D printing technology can meet high quality standards with improved efficiencies – all at a reduced cost. I’m inspired by our collaboration, and look forward to helping Lonati continue to expand AM’s role in its business.”
Ivan Zannol, 3DZ country manager added, “It’s very motivating to see the progress Lonati’s R&D team is making on a weekly basis. The experience of partnering with 3D Systems, and our collaboration with Lonati to design the right solution to meet their application needs, is very rewarding.”
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from historical results or from any future results or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "may," "will," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates" or "plans" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s beliefs, assumptions, and current expectations and may include comments as to the company’s beliefs and expectations as to future events and trends affecting its business and are necessarily subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the company. The factors described under the headings "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as other factors, could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected or predicted in forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of future performance or results, nor will they necessarily prove to be accurate indications of the times at which such performance or results will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included are made only as of the date of the statement. 3D Systems undertakes no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements made by management or on its behalf, whether as a result of future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise.
About 3D Systems
More than 30 years ago, 3D Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing industry. Today, as the leading AM solutions company, it empowers manufacturers to create products and business models never before possible through transformed workflows. This is achieved with the Company’s best-of-breed digital manufacturing ecosystem - comprised of plastic and metal 3D printers, print materials, on-demand manufacturing services and a portfolio of end-to-end manufacturing software. Each solution is powered by the expertise of the company’s application engineers who collaborate with customers to transform manufacturing environments. 3D Systems’ solutions address a variety of advanced applications for prototyping through production in markets such as aerospace, automotive, medical, dental and consumer goods. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.