Expanding Horizons: Cumberland Additive’s Multi-Site Metal AM Strategy

In a strategic move, Cumberland Additive, a prominent 3D printing contract manufacturer, recently acquired the metal additive manufacturing division of Stratasys Direct. This acquisition not only doubled the company’s metal AM machines but also added a new production facility in Austin, Texas, to its arsenal. However, this new site wasn’t Cumberland’s second but its third location, following its earlier expansion to Neighborhood 91, an innovative additive manufacturing hub in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mark Straszheim, Cumberland’s regional director overseeing the Pittsburgh facility, shares insights on maximizing AM capabilities across different regions. While digital workflow integration between sites is feasible and beneficial, he emphasizes the invaluable “digital transparency” of employees. This transparency enables seamless collaboration across sites and significantly enhances operational efficiency.

Establishing a Pittsburgh Presence at Neighborhood 91 Choosing to set up shop in Pittsburgh, far from Cumberland’s Texas headquarters, was driven by the unique concept of Neighborhood 91. This industrial park offered direct proximity to other additive manufacturing companies and closer access to Northeast customers. Cumberland envisioned a sister site that mirrored its Texas facility’s capabilities but also leveraged Pittsburgh’s distinct advantages.

The Pittsburgh facility, equipped with powder bed fusion metal AM machines, strategically collaborates with neighboring companies like Wabtec, sharing similar additive machines and fostering a collaborative environment. Additionally, Cumberland’s partnership with JEOL brings an EBM system to the site, showcasing the location’s role as an ideal venue for hosting machine demos and fostering industry relationships.

Unlocking the Power of Digital Transparency Straszheim underscores the importance of “digital transparency,” emphasizing that an employee’s physical location should not hinder their ability to contribute effectively. This transparency facilitates distributed manufacturing, allowing personnel to seamlessly support production regardless of their location. From 3D printing to CNC machining, employees can digitally transmit part files and programming instructions, enabling efficient operations across sites.

While remote programming presents challenges, such as spatial visualization limitations, Cumberland embraces the need for versatile employees capable of thriving in a digitally integrated manufacturing landscape. Straszheim sees this adaptability as crucial not only in additive manufacturing but across various industries embracing technology-driven operational models.

As Cumberland Additive continues to expand its footprint across different regions, its commitment to leveraging digital transparency underscores its dedication to driving innovation and efficiency in the evolving landscape of precision manufacturing.

Original source MMS