---
title: New Machine Turns Sheet Metal Into Custom Parts for Prototypes — HIGH T3CH
url: https://hight3ch.com/new-machine-turns-sheet-metal-into-custom-parts-for-prototypes/
date: 2013-07-04
---

# New Machine Turns Sheet Metal Into Custom Parts for Prototypes

Ford engineers are developing a highly flexible, first-of-its-kind, patented technology to rapidly form sheet metal parts for low-volume production applications. Once fully developed, the technology (Ford Freeform Fabrication Technology, or F3T) will allow for lower costs and ultrafast delivery times for prototypes — within three business days versus conventional methods that take anywhere from two to six months.