2023-06-09 14:54:00
“Ten years ago, we thought it was going to revolutionize the industry. But today, we see that additive manufacturing (3D printing, Editor’s note) is for the moment above all an additional tool“, launches Sven Hermans, Business Group Leader Manufacturing at Agoria.
“There are many possibilities. With polymers, metals, different types of printing, including selective laser melting (the fusion of metal powder or other alloys by laser, Editor’s note). But these technologies require much more expertise than you might imagine.“, he adds.
The advantages in terms of reducing material losses are undeniable, as is the level of complexity in creating parts, hence the interest for certain sectors, such as aviation, automotive and even armaments. FN Herstal also has a production line, relatively limited, but for specific parts where complexity and lightness make 3D printing interesting.
“It’s not a ‘push the button tech'”
“But the adaptation of the industry must be done with the question: what value can we generate? It’s a huge time investment“, nuance Sven Hermans.
An asset for competitiveness?
Nevertheless, according to the manager of Agoria, the gain in the number of useful movements of the robots means that 3D printing can allow an increase in the productivity of the lines on certain points. And potentially optimize the productivity of industry in Europe, where robotization and automation are essential points for competitiveness at the international level.
“The Covid has shown the importance of being able to create pieces locally”
“The Covid has shown the importance of being able to create parts locally. The pandemic has pushed some companies to move forward in the field and put this technology on the agenda. But this is not a solution for all activities. This is not a ‘push the button tech’ (a technology that is quick and easy to set up, editor’s note). This technology remains relatively slow for production lines and it depends on the number of parts that must be produced.“, he adds. For Sven Hermans, for the moment, it would therefore be a niche technology that requires a change of mind setstate of mind, profound, in addition to the technical change of production lines.
Productivity, durability, flexibility: will 3D printing prevail?
Raw materials and energy
According to Sven Hermans, the question of the supply of raw materials arises, even if he is confident for polymers and even for metals. But he qualifies:Yes, there is less loss of material. But the energy needed and the overall footprint can be high“.
According to him, the technology will continue to evolve, but will remain a niche for the time being. However, forms of 3D printing, such as Waam (Arc-fil additive manufacturing, Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing), a kind of welds per layer, shows undeniable advantages. “It will be adopted, but slowly and not everywhere“, he ends. Companies must have the time, the money and the certainty of profitability to get started. Not always easy. Welcome to reality.
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