Just Make It
My oldest just received his learner’s permit. To commemorate the occasion, my mom decided to gift him a car that’s been sitting in her driveway for the past couple of years: a 2003 Subaru Baja. I wish I’d been able to see it when it was brand new, but I have to admit that it’s still a pretty cool vehicle after more than 20 years and 300,000 miles.
And right now you’re asking, “What the hell does this have to do with anything?”
Repairs.
Anything that old with that much use is going to have issues. The problem, of course, is that parts become harder and harder to find the older and less popular something gets. In just a few days working on the car, I’ve asked myself a question I’ve asked myself many times in the past while working on some older machine that needed fixing, “If only I could just make that part I need.” Of course, the internet has made it a lot easier to scour the globe for a rare part, plus I’m lucky enough to have time on my side until my son turns 16—or until the rust vaporizes the Baja into a car-sized pile of orange dust.
Food manufacturers don’t have the luxury of time when something breaks, though. Even waiting a couple of days for a part to be sent from the OEM, if one’s available, can be costly.
That’s why I was intrigued by an email I received from Markforged asking if I wanted to talk to someone about how 3D printing can help food and beverage manufacturers keep their machines running. And I have to say that I wasn’t disappointed by what I learned, so much so that I’ve been doing some more research into the concept for an article I plan to write for next month’s issue.
Is this something that interests you? If so, what questions do you have about it? I’ll be happy to find the answers for you. Just let me know teald@bnpmedia.com. FE
Cheers,
Derrick
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