THE CUSTOMER
Zero Tolerance, LLC is a Michigan-based plastic injection mold machine shop working with customers in the defense, medical, consumer goods, automotive, and electronics industries. Started in 2011, the company offers EDM, CNC machining, injection molding, and additive manufacturing services.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Steve Michon, President and Owner of Zero Tolerance, LLC has always been committed to investing in the highest performance technology to stay competitive and provide his customers with the best solutions. Zero Tolerance was selected to receive a free Markforged X7 3D printer as part of Project DIAMOnD from Automation Alley, an Industry 4.0 knowledge center based in Michigan. This initiative, funded by Oakland County, MI, distributed over 300 Markforged 3D printers to create the country’s largest distributed 3D printing network. Using Eiger 3D printing software for slicing, storing and printing parts, each 3D printer is connected to a centralized, secure cloud network. In exchange for Markforged 3D printers, participating manufacturers such as Zero Tolerance will print parts for emergency aid, such as PPE, when called upon.
THE CHALLENGE
Zero Tolerance had a job requiring them to load 8 brass inserts into a 275º mold, one-by-one. It was incredibly time consuming as well as a burn hazard. This manual process was yielding inconsistent cycle times, averaging around 45 seconds. Zero Tolerance wanted a solution that enabled them to load all eight inserts into the tool at once, reducing cycle times and increasing part production.
