Our Manufacturing Process - How Gorman Precision is Redefining Workholding Solutions
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, exposed significant vulnerabilities in our global supply chains and manufacturing industries. The widespread disruptions led to prolonged lead times and a profound realization of how interconnected and fragile our systems were. As the world struggled to reboot and reset, it became clear that a new approach was needed to address these challenges and future-proof our manufacturing processes.
At Gorman Precision, we seized this pivotal moment to innovate and adapt. We recognized the opportunity to revolutionize our approach by embracing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. By 2022, as the world continued to grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic, we committed to a transformative strategy: adopting a made-to-order (MTO) model, utilizing digital inventory, and integrating automation from the ground up.
Doubling Down on Made-to-Order Manufacturing
Our journey towards a new manufacturing paradigm began with a clear vision: to create highly customizable products tailored to individual customer needs. This approach not only addresses the challenges of supply chain disruptions but also ensures that every product we produce is designed and manufactured to meet specific requirements. By leveraging additive manufacturing from day one, we have been able to streamline production processes and offer unparalleled flexibility.
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a game-changing technology that builds parts layer by layer. This method allows for the creation of complex geometries and customized components that traditional manufacturing methods often struggle to achieve. At Gorman Precision, we harness the power of this technology to produce high-quality, on-demand parts, eliminating the need for extensive inventory and reducing lead times.
Investing in State-of-the-Art Technology
To bring our vision to life, we have invested in state-of-the-art industrial additive manufacturing machines, including Markforged printers. These advanced machines are capable of producing strong, end-use parts with continuous carbon fibers integrated throughout. The use of continuous carbon fiber in our components provides exceptional strength while maintaining a lightweight profile—ideal for high-performance applications where both durability and precision are critical.
Our Markforged printers are at the forefront of this innovation, allowing us to produce parts that are both robust and versatile. The incorporation of continuous carbon fibers ensures that our products can withstand demanding conditions and deliver reliable performance.
Mastering Design with Fusion
A crucial aspect of our manufacturing process is our ability to design with precision and flexibility. We utilize Fusion, a leading CAD/CAM software, to achieve this. Fusion offers a comprehensive suite of tools for product design, simulation, and manufacturing, enabling us to explore intricate designs and optimize performance.
With Fusion, our engineering team can rapidly create and iterate on new product designs, responding quickly to customer needs and market demands. The software’s capabilities allow us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in additive manufacturing, ensuring that every product we produce is engineered to the highest standards.
Custom Workholding Solutions: Elevating Soft Jaw Technology
One of the standout applications of our additive manufacturing capabilities is in the creation of custom soft jaws. These components are essential for workholding in various industrial processes, including motorsports, aerospace, and manufacturing. Traditional metal jaws can often be too rigid, leading to potential damage or distortion of delicate components. Our custom soft jaws, however, are designed to provide the perfect balance between a firm grip and gentle handling.
We offer a bespoke service where customers can upload solid models of their parts and workholding devices. Our team then uses our advanced design and manufacturing capabilities to create soft jaws tailored to the exact specifications provided. This level of customization ensures that each set of soft jaws delivers optimal performance and protection for high-value components.
Exciting News: New Workholding Solutions Coming Soon
In addition to our custom soft jaw services, we are thrilled to announce that we will soon be expanding our offerings with new workholding solutions available on our Etsy store. These upcoming products will feature our innovative designs and high-quality manufacturing standards, making them accessible to a wider audience. Stay tuned for updates on the launch and explore how our new workholding solutions can enhance your projects.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
At Gorman Precision, we are dedicated to ongoing growth and innovation. Our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and refining our processes is at the core of our business. As we continue to develop new products and expand our capabilities, we remain focused on delivering exceptional quality and value to our customers.
We invite you to follow our journey and stay updated on our latest advancements by connecting with us on Instagram. Join us as we explore new frontiers in manufacturing and workholding solutions.
For more insights and updates, follow us on Instagram: @gormanoutdoors, @gormanprecision, and @gormanmotorsports. We appreciate your support and look forward to sharing our progress with you!