Phillips on Their Hybrid AM Solution and Work with Meltio

More and more, we are seeing industries adopting additive manufacturing. In these new sectors, one of the common ways to integrate AM technologies is through some kind of hybrid solution. In other words, a solution that has both subtractive (or traditional methods like CNC machining) and additive manufacturing components. The most recent company to adopt a hybrid approach is Philips, a leading solutions provider for manufacturing technology products and services to both commercial markets and federal governments. In particular, the new hybrid machine is a combination of Haas Automation’s subtractive CNC machine tool technology with an additive laser head from Meltio. We sat down with John Harrison, the Director of Additive Manufacturing for Phillips Corporation to learn more the machine and its applications, such as in those in the maritime sector, as well as about why they chose to move more into the additive manufacturing market and about their partnership with Meltio.

3DN: Can you introduce yourself and your connection to 3D printing?

I am John Harrison, Director of Additive Manufacturing for Phillips Corporation. Phillips has been in the 3D printing industry for 16 years. One of my first experiences with the technology was at Walter Reid Hospital, where doctors were helping soldiers with traumatic head injuries. The doctors would take 3D scans of the damaged area of a soldier’s head, then print a plate to be implanted to repair the skull.

As the technology has matured, new opportunities in production, human adaptation (knee implants, dental repair, hearing aids), and supply chain support have emerged. Our company is focused on getting additive technology and know-how in the hands of the innovators that will change the world.