Published 9/27/2021

Westminster Tool Receives Grant for Additive Technology

The grant, which was developed by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund, will enable Westminster Tool to add new 3D-printing equipment and capabilities to their processes.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

Photo Credit: Westminster Tool

Westminster Tool is a recipient of the Additive Manufacturing Adoption Program (AMAP) grant, a Conn.-based program recognizing six manufacturers in the state that adopt innovative additive technologies into their operations.

Developed by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) and the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF), the grant was created to support manufacturing companies seeking to add new 3D-printing equipment and capabilities to their processes.

Westminster Tool says it has spent the last seven years exploring 3D printing applications. In 2020, the company embarked on a new partnership with metal additive technology company Mantle Inc. Working together, Westminster Tool extensively researched Mantle’s metal additive applications specific to the injection mold industry.

“Our partnership with Mantle gives our team a unique opportunity to learn about the latest metal additive technology and, as a result, deliver innovative solutions to our customers,” says Westminster Tool CFO, Colby Coombs. According to the company, using metal additive technology for tooling component manufacturing has the potential for major cost and leadtime reductions, and it also opens the door to several new engineering opportunities for injection mold making.

Conn.’s Governor Ned Lamont says, “These grants will help our brilliant manufacturers across the state continue to innovate, building bigger, faster and more complex machines that drive our state, country and the world further into the 21st century.”

“Connecticut has made it a priority to provide manufacturers with the support they need to adopt advanced technology,” Coombs adds. “This program is another great example of how Connecticut helps drive manufacturing forward, and we are honored to be included in that effort.”