Cody Cochran

Azoth LLC focuses on combining traditional manufacturing quality with the efficiencies of rapid prototyping. As cofounder of the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based organization, Cody Cochran uses Ultimaker 3D printers to help enables its “Take One Make One (TOMO)” digital inventory model inside of manufacturing facilities.

TOMO transforms physical inventory such as critical machine spare parts, jigs and fixtures, and indirect materials into digital assets that are printed on demand, reducing cost, lead time, and the necessity for a large amount of on-hand inventory.

“The processes established brings new meaning to lean manufacturing and inventory management,” Cody says. “This allows our customers to take full advantage of the additive manufacturing industry.

Cochran believes the 3D printing industry will see a continued integration into the production of end-use parts, further opening the door for end user to focus more on metrics such as return on investment (ROI), overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and quality.

3D Printing has advanced beyond just making widgets and prototypes. It is a technology that is inspiring young engineers to take pride in manufacturing at large, which, in my view, is a very positive thing.