3D printing in production is a reality for
Clenaware Systems

Markforged 3D printers from Mark3D:
After conducting research and gathering background information, Clenaware Systems contacted Mark3D and arranged for a technician to visit to understand the company's objectives. After listening and helping to further refine the company's requirements, Mark3D examined the parts and their suitability for printing.
Over 100 parts were identified as potential 3D printing options, starting with parts like nozzles, door locks, and cable management devices. Mark3D then spent some time with Richard and Vic explaining the machine range and the advantages of each material.
An agreement was reached to purchase two Mark Two printers with three-year success plans, one designed for Onyx parts and one for nylon parts. Soon after, two more Onyx One printers were added for additional capacity.

Purchasing tooling is an expensive business, which meant Clenaware Systems had to calculate the payback over a relatively large volume of parts. This is difficult, however, when you sell your products in small to medium batch sizes and also want to change your designs regularly. To justify the tooling costs, parts had to be ordered in large quantities and kept in inventory for "future" use.
New product development is another area where Clenaware Systems has gained an advantage. Gone are the days of developing machines around existing, in-stock parts. You now have the freedom to experiment with multiple iterations until the design is approved. Of course, each one can be tested for form, fit, and function as soon as it comes off the printer, so feedback is immediate.
Finally, the significantly reduced inventory levels free up liquidity that the company can use in other areas with much greater effectiveness.

Clenaware Systems has so far transferred half of the originally planned 100 target parts into the printing process. The rest are still in stock or require some technical modifications to optimize the printing process.
New parts are regularly released that are specifically designed for 3D printing, as well as items that are no longer available from the OEM.
delivered, in the production plan. "A part we used in our electrical design was discontinued by the supplier, creating a potential problem," says Richard. "Actually, it wasn't a problem for us! We simply designed one ourselves and used a few purchased parts to get the problem under control—it was that easy to do."
"When you rely on production machines, it's important to take care of them, so we've agreed on regular maintenance with Mark3D and supported this with a contingency plan to cover spare parts and provide discounted materials," says Richard. "Mark3D called us the other day and told us about a new material coming out, and we're going to try it out. We're always willing to try new things."
A tour of the site confirms the significant impact 3D printing has had, as new parts designed and printed on-site are used every day. They are installed directly, without any rework.

Clenaware Systems didn't want to measure ROI directly. Richard has enough insight into the business performance to know if things are going well, and he's satisfied.
Sometimes, when stocks are replenished, the machines have a day off. But it's not long before they're back in operation, and the familiar background hum begins again. "The machines aren't loud at all, but it feels strangely quiet when they're not running. That also reminds me that I'm not saving money anywhere," says Richard.
When asked if he would do the same thing again, Richard will happily tell you that it was one of his better
business decisions, and he certainly expects investments in more machines at some point in the future. Every time Clenaware
The fact that Systems saves money by not purchasing tools further confirms the correctness of the decision. Having reduced significant costs allows more to be spent on research and development and ultimately on better products, something the team is very proud of.