Fibreglass manufacturer invests in new technology
Canadian Plastics
Canadian PlasticsKelowna, B.C.-based composite fibreglass manufacturer FormaShape has invested $750,000 in new technology to extend ...
Kelowna, B.C.-based composite fibreglass manufacturer FormaShape has invested $750,000 in new technology to extend its manufacturing capabilities, the company announced recently.
The company has acquired a MRTM 125 Marine Milling 5-axis router from PaR Systems Inc. in order strengthen its reputation as an industry competitor.
“This machine brings our whole operation to a new level,” said FormaShape president Peter Jeffrey in a press release. “Our capabilities already included design, fabrication of our own molds, and the production of high volume parts using the RTM (Resin Transfer Molding) technology.
“Now we will be able to build our own plugs for these molds: we have efficiently internalized our supply chain.”
Jeffrey noted that the investment would “repatriate” work that the company is currently outsourcing to the U.S., and thus help eliminate wait times and reduce production costs.
The company also announced that it would offer its 5-axis and mold fabrication services to other composite manufacturers in western North America. The 5-axis CNC Router will provide automated milling and fabrication of 3-D objects, and can build precise 3-D shapes as large as a 40 foot boat hull.
FormaShape said that it currently builds some parts that exceed 160 square feet. The manufacturer plans to have the new machinery operational in September.