Case Study: Engineered Machined Products achieves 80% faster pump development and 90% prototyping cost reduction with 3D Systems SLS solution

SLS System Speeds Pump Development at EMP

Engineered Machined Products (EMP) of Escanaba, Mich., the largest diesel pump manufacturer in the U.S. serving OEMs like Cummins, Caterpillar and John Deere, faced slow, costly prototyping: complex impeller and volute geometries required pattern-making, casting and machining that could take roughly 16 weeks and drive up iteration costs and lead times. Fast, reliable validation was essential because design tweaks were frequent and expensive using traditional methods.

By adding a 3D Systems SLS system and DuraForm PA material, EMP began producing functional prototype impellers and volutes in days instead of weeks, enabling rapid testing and quick redesigns. The company reports cutting iteration time by about 15 weeks and prototyping costs by roughly 90%, shrinking overall turnaround by 80–90%, improving engineering productivity, and allowing EMP to meet tight customer timelines (including six-week projects and complete concept-to-test cycles in as little as three weeks).

Engineered Machined Products

David Allen

Vice President for Product Development and Engineering