Whether a manufacturer is large or small, it’s always interested in saving money—whether it’s a large or small amount. Consider a huge company like Lockheed Martin Space Systems, and its constant need to cut costs in every aspect of a project, such as parts needed to build a satellite.
This priority was front and center for Lockheed in September 2012 when it hired Sciaky Inc. to determine if 3D-printed titanium parts were the same or better quality than traditionally forged metal parts. The titanium Sciaky tested was Ti-6Al-4V, a lightweight, highly durable Grade 5 metal. Over the course of several months, metallurgical experts at both companies discovered that the tank was of higher quality, cost less to make, and reduced material waste and production time.