Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies: Bridging the Gap Between Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing

At the bustling IMTS 2024 in Chicago, a city that has long symbolized American industrial prowess, Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies Global (HMT) is making waves. Led by co-founder and CEO Jason Jones, the company has pioneered a novel approach to manufacturing that seamlessly integrates additive and subtractive processes. The goal? To push the boundaries of efficiency and scalability in manufacturing while addressing critical gaps in both 3D printing and traditional methods.

“We live at the interface between 3D printing and mainstream manufacturing,” Jones explained during our interview. The “hybrid” in their name is no mere buzzword—it reflects a revolutionary combination of technologies. Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies Global (HMT) focuses on blending additive manufacturing, particularly metal deposition and polymer extrusion, with conventional subtractive techniques like CNC machining. As Jones quipped, “We’re like an athlete that can do more than one sport.”

The company’s approach leverages existing machine platforms from your traditional CNC to gantries and robots, equipping them with deposition heads that allow for both 3D printing and traditional machining within the same system. This unique integration helps streamline production processes and opens up opportunities for industries ranging from power generation and oil and gas to the highly demanding mold manufacturing sector. “We can make things out of more than one material, giving customers the best of both worlds—like using bronze to wick away heat and adding a hard-facing material for durability,” Jones elaborated.

Driving Innovation with Practicality

HMT’s cutting-edge innovations aren’t just theoretical. At IMTS 2024, the company introduced its new Flex 22 head, a tool designed to print inside hard-to-reach areas. According to Jones, this new head is poised to significantly improve manufacturing flexibility. “We’re excited to show the Flex 22 here at IMTS,” Jones noted, gesturing toward the equipment behind him. HMT also unveiled a high-speed laser deposition head that applies ultra-thin metal layers—a breakthrough that could compete with traditional chrome plating methods, which are becoming increasingly regulated due to environmental concerns.

In fact, sustainability is at the core of many of HMT’s innovations. The company’s extra high-speed laser deposition technology (EHLA) offers a cleaner, more efficient alternative to hexavalent chrome, which has been flagged for its human and environmental risks. “We’re offering a way to apply coatings more sustainably, which could have a real financial and environmental impact,” Jones added.

Fulfilling the Promises of Additive Manufacturing

One of the major themes at this year’s IMTS was the sobering reflection on the promises and shortcomings of 3D printing. While once hailed as the future of manufacturing, many in the industry have come to realize that additive manufacturing alone is not a panacea. “3D printing has overpromised and under-delivered in some respects,” Jones acknowledged. “The reality is that 3D printing needs to be integrated with other complementary technologies like CNC machining to truly scale.”

This pragmatic approach has allowed HMT to weather the ups and downs of the additive manufacturing market. “The reason we’ve been able to grow steadily, while others in the space have struggled, is that we never positioned 3D printing as a standalone solution,” Jones said. Instead, HMT’s hybrid solutions are designed to complement mainstream manufacturing technologies, making them more adaptable to real-world manufacturing needs.

Financial Growth and Global Reach

Steve Gresslin, Chief Financial Officer of HMT, echoed Jones’ optimistic view of the company’s future. “We’ve seen consistent growth over the last several years,” Gresslin remarked, citing the company’s global customer base, which spans Asia, Europe, and North America. Nikon, a major investor, has played a key role in HMT’s financial strategy, enabling the company to expand its operations. While revenue figures remain confidential, Gresslin noted, “We’re a player of scale now, and that’s a very positive thing in today’s market.”

HMT primarily relies on direct sales, though they also collaborate with machine tool builders to distribute their additive capabilities. This direct engagement with customers allows the company to better understand and address specific client needs, whether it’s producing sample parts or developing custom solutions.

A Bright Future for Hybrid Manufacturing

As we wrapped up the interview, Jones emphasized the bright future ahead for HMT and hybrid manufacturing as a whole. “The promises made by additive manufacturing are easier to fulfill when you work with complementary mainstream manufacturing technologies,” he said. With innovations like the Flex 22 head and the company’s growing international presence, Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies is well-positioned to continue pushing the envelope in both additive and subtractive manufacturing.

For more information, visit Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies at hybrid-am.com.

Tags: 3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, CNC Machining, Hybrid Manufacturing, Metal Deposition, Subtractive Manufacturing

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