03.11.24
Ricoh will partner with North Carolina State University (NC State), one of the nation’s top graduate programs for additive manufacturing, to address supply chain challenges through the application of 3D printing technology.
The Center of Excellence (COE) will focus on research and development of new additive manufacturing applications, as well as function as the ‘nerve center’ for Ricoh’s Managed 3D print services network, enabling product teams to design, prototype, and quickly refine and reiterate a product design in-house.
“Ricoh’s Managed 3D print services will help manufacturers accelerate innovation and product development through rapid, onsite prototyping,” said Gary Turner, senior director, additive manufacturing at Ricoh. “As the applications for additive manufacturing grow, adopting an as-a-service model leverages existing onsite 3D-printing expertise and resources to shorten time while minimizing any additional capital investment.”
Results from Ricoh’s initial pilots have been noteworthy. A leading provider of process control and yield management solutions expanded Ricoh’s onsite managed services remit to include onsite 3D printing and cut time and cost by nearly 90 percent by bringing its prototyping in-house.
“Ricoh’s partnership with NC State provides our Managed Services customers with direct access to additive manufacturing best practices and resources they wouldn’t have on their own,” said Turner. “We are able to drive efficiencies through our teams onsite, as well as address unique challenges through the COE.”
“Additive manufacturing has significant potential to reduce supply chain complexity and drive innovation in a myriad of industries,” said Mark Schmidt, Ph.D.,NC State’s associate vice chancellor for partnerships. “Partnering with a company like Ricoh with its vast onsite network will help prepare students for impactful careers and identify new opportunities to advance research.”
The Center of Excellence (COE) will focus on research and development of new additive manufacturing applications, as well as function as the ‘nerve center’ for Ricoh’s Managed 3D print services network, enabling product teams to design, prototype, and quickly refine and reiterate a product design in-house.
“Ricoh’s Managed 3D print services will help manufacturers accelerate innovation and product development through rapid, onsite prototyping,” said Gary Turner, senior director, additive manufacturing at Ricoh. “As the applications for additive manufacturing grow, adopting an as-a-service model leverages existing onsite 3D-printing expertise and resources to shorten time while minimizing any additional capital investment.”
Results from Ricoh’s initial pilots have been noteworthy. A leading provider of process control and yield management solutions expanded Ricoh’s onsite managed services remit to include onsite 3D printing and cut time and cost by nearly 90 percent by bringing its prototyping in-house.
“Ricoh’s partnership with NC State provides our Managed Services customers with direct access to additive manufacturing best practices and resources they wouldn’t have on their own,” said Turner. “We are able to drive efficiencies through our teams onsite, as well as address unique challenges through the COE.”
“Additive manufacturing has significant potential to reduce supply chain complexity and drive innovation in a myriad of industries,” said Mark Schmidt, Ph.D.,NC State’s associate vice chancellor for partnerships. “Partnering with a company like Ricoh with its vast onsite network will help prepare students for impactful careers and identify new opportunities to advance research.”