As business grows, ProtoXYZ expands space to Potomska Street

As their business continues to grow, the automated machines that shape the parts their customers need also get bigger.

At ProtoXYZ’s new location, automated machines remove material used to create all kinds of parts of different sizes with the focus on defense, robotics, medical devices and energy markets.

CEO Mike Fernandes and his sons, Jordan and Nathaniel Fernandes are co-founders of ProtoXYZ. Jordan works in the front office while Nathaniel works on the technical side.

In 2021, the brothers came up with the idea of modernizing the manufacturing of mechanical components.

They developed their software in-house, utilizing artificial intelligence via a web application that takes an uploaded 3D solid model design and determines the time needed using various manufacturing processes to calculate pricing and delivery instantly, according to their website.

The company has since expanded.

Relocation needed due to growth

Previously located in the DeMello International Center downtown, they relocated in September to 49 Potomska St., which is owned by one of their stockholders, and renovated the space they needed to accommodate all their new equipment.

Mike Fernandes said they are fortunate to have the financial support of several local individuals who have collectively invested over $1.5 million to support the development of the business, and they have plans for significant growth with room to expand.

First, they want to prove that they are on solid ground with their plans for growth before taking it to the next level.

“Before we bring on an investor, we want to prove to ourselves so that we can then prove to the investors that we have the ability to be very, very profitable,” he said. “It’s just a matter of scaling the business, and scaling requires funding.”

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“Towards the end of the year we're going to be looking to raise $20 million in new investment, and that will allow us to grow really, really fast,” he added.

He said they will also be looking to find local talent to fill the jobs that will eventually be created and give them the time to understand the business.

Plans to expand the talent pool

They have a total of eight team members, having added five employees since moving. One employee out of high school works with a mentor.

Mike said in machining, a typical company will have three roles. One would focus on computer animated manufacturing and create a program directing the machine, one would set up the machine with the cutting tool, and the third would be the operator.

“We don’t want that here,” he said. “What we want is a role where they do all three, and the reason why that’s important, especially for the type of business we do, is it’s a more rewarding job.”

The customer will request that a part be made out of aluminum or steel and they will order the materials from suppliers who will then deliver the material in very specific shapes. Their multiple machines move in specific directions that serve very specific purposes.

The machines they use include additive 3D printers, including continuous filament fiber (carbon, fiberglass, or Kevlar) printing to make parts lighter and stronger than aluminum. Their CNC machining centers can produce parts from almost any metal and plastic with very high precision.

They still use 3D printers, but most of their business focuses on automation.

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Speed counts

When ordering, he said they order materials from local suppliers as much as possible and the materials arrive in very specific shapes made from different materials from copper to aluminum to steel.

“We have no idea what it gets used for,” Mike said. “We just get it in and get it out.”

The multi-axis CNC milling machines they use operate on two or more axes to perform a variety of cuts and shapes while it spins really fast. All the chips from the metal cast off as it spins get recycled.

“It will tilt on its side and spin, which is very unique,” Mike said. “The coolant removes the chips of metal that get in the way.”

Planning has also begun to include other processes including plastic injection molding, rubber injection molding, laser cutting and metal forming to make ProtoXYZ a one-stop shop for mechanical goods.

Standard-Times staff writer Kathryn Gallerani can be reached at kgallerani@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @kgallreporter. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: ProtoXYZ moves to Potomska Street, New Bedford expanding manufacturing