Background
Nicholson Manufacturing produces ring debarkers used in lumber facilities worldwide.
Knife tips in these machines must withstand extreme wear conditions.
The company wanted to combine subtractive and additive manufacturing to produce and repair these tips.
The Challenge
Nicholson required software capable of handling both additive and subtractive processes in a single workflow.
Traditional software could not deliver axis control or hybrid process integration.
Our Solution
Nicholson adopted:
Mastercam for subtractive programming
APlus AM software for hybrid additive paths
A Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies fiber laser head integrated into a Haas VF7
APlus controls laser firing and powder delivery, allowing additive passes to be programmed like any other toolpath.
Results
✅ Programming time reduced from days to hours
✅ Additive and subtractive performed in one setup
✅ Enhanced axis control for additive deposition
✅ Increased production flexibility and creative freedom
✅ “Better, faster, cheaper” hybrid manufacturing achieved
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Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies continues enabling advanced industrial repair and performance improvement through hybrid manufacturing systems.
