In today’s fast-paced world, innovation and adaptability are key to staying ahead of the curve. Companies that are willing to rethink traditional methods of fabrication and explore new technologies are the ones that will thrive. One such company that has embraced this mindset is Johnson Screens.
With almost 120 years of operation, Johnson Screens is a global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. Their highly-engineered and precisely-fabricated products can be found in a wide range of industries, from environmental to mining. Their core product, Vee-Wire®, offers liquid/solid and gas/solid separation and has been traditionally made using continuous welding methods.
However, Johnson Screens recognized the need to optimize their production processes and explore new design possibilities. They recently incorporated 3D printing technology into their fabrication methods to achieve a variety of designs while minimizing material consumption. This was not an easy task, as finding a suitable material that could withstand water and other liquids proved challenging. But through careful consideration and testing, Johnson Screens found that polypropylene was the ideal material for their 3D printed components.
To further enhance their additive manufacturing capabilities, Johnson Screens partnered with HP. This partnership allows for quick and continuous fabrication of additive-derived components, with zero recorded failures in testing and limited commercial use. Johnson Screens understands the demands of industries like wastewater treatment and is committed to providing high-quality products that meet the rigorous standards of these industries.
Johnson Screens’ willingness to rethink their fabrication processes and embrace additive manufacturing should serve as an inspiration to other companies. Innovation is not just about finding new solutions, but also about finding new ways to optimize existing processes. By incorporating 3D printing technology, companies can not only achieve greater design flexibility but also minimize material consumption and waste.
And the benefits of embracing additive manufacturing go beyond just improved processes. Companies can also take advantage of the now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit. This tax credit is available for companies that are developing new or improved products, processes, and software. The wages of technical employees involved in creating, testing, and revising 3D printed prototypes can be included as a percentage of eligible time spent for the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software is also considered an eligible activity. And the costs of filaments consumed during the development process can be recovered as well.
Whether it’s used for prototyping or final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies that embrace this technology should consider taking advantage of the R&D Tax Credit to support their innovative efforts.
In conclusion, Johnson Screens’ commitment to rethinking fabrication processes and incorporating additive manufacturing is commendable. Their willingness to explore new technologies and find innovative solutions should serve as an inspiration to other companies. By embracing 3D printing and taking advantage of the R&D Tax Credit, companies can not only stay at the forefront of innovation but also benefit from the financial incentives that come with it. So let’s take a cue from Johnson Screens and push the boundaries of what’s possible in our own industries.
