Posted by Yehoram on December 05, 2000 at 13:52:20:
In Reply to: Generis announcement posted by John on December 04, 2000 at 22:19:28:
John,
Generis new machine will make dry sand molds. DSPC makes ceramic molds. The difference is very significant. With DSPC we make sand, investment and PM casting. We also cast parts with die casting geometries. In essence, DSPC enables substantial more flexibility in the casting parameters (which means thinner walls, more complexity in the core cavities etc). That is the reason why we consider the Generis technique as a subset of the DSPC capabilities. When we started Soligen we considered using dry sand but concluded that in order to penetrate such a conservative market a new technology should be able to make the most challenging parts. We therefore decided to use ceramic powder (which is more common in investment casting than sand casting) and a different binder system in order to be able to make the most challenging geometries.
Today the situation is different, first Soligen's DSPC is out there, also rapid prototyping helped foundries make cast parts (maybe not as fast and as complex as DSPC, but not all cast parts after all are very complex.
As usual in life more capabilities often require more sophisticated processes. Generis uses ordinary foundry materials and DSPC refined (special processed foundry materials). Consequently if one needs to operate DSPC they need to either prepare the materials themselves or buy it from Soligen. That is why we recommend that a minimum of 4 DSPC machines will constitute a DSPC center (to justify the preparation of the ceramic and the binder). Generis, on the other hand can be considered as one machine at the time and thus is a much easier sale (as capital equipment).
For many parts with simpler geometry, Generis equipment will do great. We believe that the market will embrace the Generis machinery and foundries will use it to make cast parts, initially with simple geometries. We believe that the Generis solution will eliminate the use of conventional rapid prototyping such as SLA or SLS in the foundry industry. When it comes to complex geometry DSPC will always be the process ready to supplement the Generis process.
We decided to help Generis rather than attempting to stop them. We also decided that with Generis equipment we can re enter the market for capital equipment sales. This memorandum of understanding is the first step for a partnership based on synergism.
We also believe that once foundries have experienced the value added of operating CAD- Casting equipment their appetite for the upgraded capabilities of DSPC will entice them to seek a franchise or joint venture with us to install a DSPC center at their facilities.
For others who can live with making some parts at home and subcontracting Soligen (or it franchisees) to make those complex parts, the advent of operating Generis equipment on site will result in more business for our Parts Now programs.
So, it is not only for license fees, it is a strategic decision that will eventually make DSPC and Generis equipment dominate the future foundry industry.
Yehoram