THE MICROTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION PORTAL | THE SHOW
03.09.2026
A - Machines
VOLLMER Provides Blueprint for Success
The decision to invest in a VOLLMER VHybrid 260 and bring tool production fully in-house is a decision that has delivered a 50% reduction in tooling costs since installation in January.
Additionally, the new arrival has extended tool life by up to 1.5 times and given MPW the processing capacity to meet its current and future production requirements without being dependent on external suppliers.
The Tooling Challenge
MPW occupies a distinctive position in the additive manufacturing supply chain. To avoid the energy-intensive and expensive metal powder production route of conventional gas or water atomisation, MPW uses solid-state processing techniques to manufacture metal powders to order. The DirectPowder® process is proprietary, patented and, as Mitchell Wendel, the Operations and Engineering Manager at Metal Powder Works, explains, entirely dependent on the tools that drive it.
"Tooling is the heart of our DirectPowder® process. Owning the entire tooling lifecycle allows us to optimise performance, extend tool life and increase capabilities. It also ensures uninterrupted production for our customers while significantly lowering cost," says Mitchell.
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