SAS Manufacturing LLC is enhancing a state-of-the-art precision production facility in Englewood, Colo., that offers computer-numerical-control machining and 3-D printing of metal alloys, plastics and polymer-matrix composites.
In April 2015, the business acquired C&C Manufacturing, an existing CNC operation in a 12,500-square-foot structure on 0.25 acres.
Within one year, SAS Manufacturing achieved AS 9100 and ISO 9000 certifications for quality management procedures for the site. Customers are in the aerospace, aviation, energy and defense markets.
SAS has multiple capabilities.
Within the polymer niche, SAS processes nylon filaments reinforced with carbon fiber, fiberglass or aramid fiber on a MarkForged Inc. Mark Two printer.
Three Aleph Objects Inc. LulzBot-brand printers utilize nGen polyester, ABS and polylactic acid filaments.
A Formlabs Inc. Form 1+ printer uses photopolymer resin, and a Custom 3D Print selective-laser-sintering model has used granulated sugar and, potentially could support other powder materials.
Currently, the Englewood facility houses one of the LulzBots, the Form 1+ and the Custom SLS. The others are at the Boulder, Colo., facility of parent company Special Aerospace Service LLC, a tactical engineering firm.
In August, SAS Manufacturing expects to receive delivery of a monoBLOCK series five-axis CNC machine from DMG Mori Co. Ltd. for subtractive metal milling.
Heather Bulk is owner, CEO and president of the aerospace and manufacturing companies. Both entities are certified as economically disadvantaged woman-owned businesses under the U.S. Small Business Administration's business development program
In a statement, Bulk said she envisions further integrating workflow between the businesses and projects quicker prototype production through using automated equipment.