At Pacific Rim Tonewoods, we’re continually exploring ways to improve precision, efficiency, and scalability while preserving the craftsmanship at the heart of our work. One area where this commitment is especially valuable is in minimizing waste and streamlining our milling processes. Through automation and 3D printing, our engineering team is doing exactly that – using advanced technologies to support the handling and processing of tonewoods throughout the mill.
PRT was recently featured in an article highlighting how we’ve integrated custom-built robotics and SLS 3d printing into our operations. Using a Fuse Series printer, we’ve developed durable, lightweight end-of-arm tools (EOAT) that allow our robots to maneuver heavy spruce billets with remarkable control and accuracy.
Jake Wells, PRT’s primary robotics engineer, explains:
“We’re focused on optimizing processes to make better products, with tighter tolerances and less material waste. It’s an ongoing pursuit of improvement and being more efficient.”
This adaptability has been key to refining our tools and workflows, allowing us to test new designs rapidly and reduce downtime between iterations. The result is a more efficient, responsive system that enhances our ability to process materials with consistency, care, and precision.
