Invention Means Innovation: Take A Look At How We’re Utilizing New Technology

At McGregor Surmount we make it a goal to strive for innovation–not only in designing our own products but in using the greatest technology available to improve our day to day business.

This week we are taking a look at the BambuLab X1-Carbon 3D printer made by BambuLab. This isn’t a sponsored article, we just really appreciate what this technology brings to our arsenal of tools.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Terry, Test Development Engineer at McGregor Surmount.

These tools are used in our engineering division at McGregor Surmount. Kevin Terry, our incredible test development engineer, had some amazing things to say about the 3D printer.

“We have been utilizing 3D printing here at McGregor for a few years and find it an invaluable tool for aiding in the creation of prototypes, test fixtures, alignment jigs, etc. Until recently, however, the process was not very reliable as far as repeatability and quality. That is until we got our hands on the new BumbuLab X1-Carbon.”

- Kevin Terry, Test Development Engineer at McGregor Surmount

Photo courtesy of Kevin Terry, Test Development Engineer at McGregor Surmount.

Needless to say, this printer has quickly become one of the most critical aspects of our workflow and manufacturing process. We have used this printer countless times for a ton of products that are changing the world as we know it.

“Despite being a Kickstarter product, this thing is very well designed and has really impressed all of us on the engineering team. For those who don’t know, BambuLab was founded by former engineers from DJI (the drone company). From the initial unboxing to our first print, to say our experience was positive would be an understatement! Not only is the quality better, but the X1 absolutely flies! The AMS (Automatic Material System) allows us to do multi-color/multi-material prints with ease. Additionally, the quality and repeatability are so good we are using it for limited production runs.”

- Kevin Terry, Test Development Engineer at McGregor Surmount

Photo courtesy of Kevin Terry, Test Development Engineer at McGregor Surmount.

“The X1 fits neatly between consumer level and industrial FDM printers,” says Kevin, “Which for us is exactly what we were looking for. Once we have our models loaded onto the SD-Card, the printer works like a vending machine. Just pick your project on the on screen menu and hit the go button. We’re about three months into printing with the X1-Carbon and it would appear that gone are the days of having to scrap your job two hours into the print because the ABS decided to warp, filament did not adhere or the hot end clogged … it just works.”

We are more than happy with the opportunities that new technology has brought to our company and we are excited to reveal some of our other new additions soon. For now, take a look at our other articles on the site for more information on what we’ve been up to.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Terry, Test Development Engineer at McGregor Surmount.