Case Study: KDM Oilfield Manufacturing expands 5-axis capabilities and accelerates complex drill-bit production with 3D Systems (GibbsCAM)

GibbsCAM Programs a New Growth Plan

KDM Oilfield Manufacturing, a 15‑person job shop in Nisku, Alberta that had mainly done threading and tubular work for oil and gas contractors, needed to diversify after recognizing cost pressures and a customer’s request for complex drill bits. The opportunity required a new Mazak Variaxis 730 5‑axis machine and CAM expertise to produce parts with challenging pockets and toolpaths quickly — capabilities KDM didn’t yet have in‑house.

KDM chose GibbsCAM, completed short training and on‑site support, and began importing SolidWorks models to program advanced 3‑D and 5‑axis toolpaths. Within 30 days they produced their first bit, ramped to about 100 bits in under a year (vs. a 60‑bit budget), cut machining time on early parts from 4–5 hours to about 2.5 hours, delivered finished parts in 2–3 days, covered the investment, and opened new 5‑axis work opportunities in their region.

KDM Oilfield Manufacturing

David Donnelly

President