Matsuura LUMEX Director, N.A., Tom Houle, will present Capitalizing on Hybrid Metal 3D Printing to reduce Tooling Leadtime at the International Conference on Injection Molding of Metals, Ceramics and Carbides, February 26-28, 2024 at the Hilton North Hills in Raleigh, NC.
Houle’s case-study based presentation focuses on the use of Hybrid Metal AM to reduce the lead time for MIM Tooling, while improving product development and time to market scenarios for MIM processors and their customers.
“My presentation focuses on the real-world techniques to create tooling, which meets traditional manufacturing specifications by using Hybrid Metal AM equipment and materials,” Houle explains. “I will present multiple real-world examples where tight lead-times were met (or exceeded) by employing a manufacturing process from start to finish developed around the Hybrid Metal AM technology.”
His examples will highlight the planning, preparation, and philosophy needed to “go-fast” to create useable tooling for product launch and how to capitalize on this tooling platform to transition into production manufacturing.
Houle’s presentation will also highlight the expected results and tolerances that can be achieved through Hybrid Metal AM and follow the results through to the production part. Houle will also present real-world costs associate with implementing this technology with a direct comparison to a traditionally manufactured mold. Houle will highlight the manufacturing issues facing MIM Processors as they try and continue to out-source tooling and how the correct implementation of Hybrid Metal AM can address many of the current market concerns.
Matsuura will also exhibit at the International Conference on Injection Molding of Metals, Ceramics and Carbides is sponsored by the Metal Injection Molding Association (MIMA), APMI International and the MPIF.
The annual event brings together those working in the MIM industry, as well as targeting product designers, engineers, end users, manufacturers, researchers, and students.
In his role as Director, LUMEX NA for Matsuura USA, Houle leverages his experience in operational excellence and continues to develop a cutting-edge, innovative U.S. presence for Matsuura’s Hybrid AM Manufacturing solution. He inspires a culture of continuous improvement by defining goals, developing strategies, implementing systems and measuring performance results for the LUMEX product.
Houle has 30+ years of experience in the mold industry, new product development, engineering solutions, along with his interpersonal skills, business acumen and a passion for manufacturing solutions shows in his passion for the Matsuura LUMEX technology.
Houle earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.