Since first launching as part of our service portfolio in 2019, our Additive Manufacturing team has embarked on an extraordinary journey with one clear objective: to become leaders of innovation and excellence in additive manufacturing. For businesses operating across many industries, AM is still an unknown – but change is unstoppable, and very much on the way.
Whilst traditional methods have their merits, additive manufacturing offers a paradigm shift. It’s a departure from subtractive processes and a step towards a realm of limitless creation. From our base in Houston – the heart of technological advancement, Howco AM has quickly established itself as an industry expert in laser powder bed fusion processes, setting new standards and redefining possibilities to offer clients a wide range of pioneering metal additive manufacturing solutions.
Led by a team of visionaries and driven by a passion for excellence, our additive manufacturing capabilities have gone from strength to strength. Our journey has taken us to the very top of the industry and even – quite literally – to the moon!
One small step for Howco…
They say that if you aim for the moon and miss, you may still land among the stars – but we did not miss. February 2024 marked a historic milestone in space exploration as the Intuitive Machines IM-1 mission Nova-C class lunar lander touched down on the Moon’s surface, marking the first human-made landing in over half a century.
We are humbled to have had the opportunity to contribute to this remarkable achievement with the precision-engineered components crafted by Howco Additive Manufacturing. Each meticulously designed intricate component has played a part in this grand accomplishment.
We probably don’t need to explain what makes this achievement so significant: “We went to the moon” tells it all! Not only is it proof of Howco’s commitment to excellence, but it marks a pivotal step for the role that additive manufacturing plays, and will continue to play, in pushing the boundaries of space exploration. You could say it was one small step for Howco, one giant leap for additive manufacturing!
Innovation Unleashed
At the core of Howco’s additive manufacturing prowess lies a dedication to innovation and excellence. With a wide array of metal alloys, including Ti-based and Ni-based alloys, our solution offers unparalleled versatility and precision to our clients operating in the harshest and most extreme environments worldwide.
Our wide range of AM solutions encompass raw materials, machining, heat treatment, cladding, and welding. We specialise in direct metal laser melting, or DMLM; a process which uses high-precision lasers to apply fine metal powders in a meticulous, accurate, and virtually error-free manner. DMLM produces elaborately designed, super strong parts for the most demanding applications.
We also have the ability to heat treat parts in-house for stress relief, solution annealing, and age hardening. Additionally, our in-house capabilities include 3D scanning for reverse engineering and inspection purposes.
With a primary focus on superalloys, Howco AM leaves no stone unturned in delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client – even if they don’t need to go quite as far as space! Our AS9100 and ISO9001 certifications underline our commitment to quality, meaning our clients can rest assured that they are in safe hands.
The Road to Success
With each project, we push the boundaries of what is possible, constantly challenging ourselves to innovate and excel. Whether it’s delivering precision-engineered components for aerospace applications or pioneering new techniques in additive manufacturing, we are committed to staying at the cutting edge of innovation and, to quote a show you may have heard about, to boldly go where no man has gone before.
A Vision for Tomorrow
As we reflect on our journey so far, we are filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to stride forward with new techniques and new applications, so we can reimagine what’s possible.
We understand that true innovation thrives on collaboration and partnership. That’s why we actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with clients, industry partners, and research institutions to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing further. Together, let us redefine the future, one layer at a time. Who knows where we may land next?
For a quotation/specific request or to learn more about our additive manufacturing services, please contact us today. The future awaits, and we are ready to embrace it. Are you?