Inspiration and tips at the seminar on design for AM

Additive manufacturing opens up entirely new possibilities for design and product development. However, for optimal results, the design must be adapted to the manufacturing method. That was the theme of 3D-Action’s third seminar offering insights into successful additive manufacturing.

Nearly 70 people attended 3D-Action’s “Design for Additive Manufacturing” seminar, which was held on 29 November at Chalmers University of Technology and was also open to digital participants.

Gereon Deppe from the software company Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence started the day by offering his insights into what “Generative Design” is and how the technique can be used to optimise a product’s design for additive manufacturing.

3D printing as entertainment

Richard von Zweigbergk of Volvo Cars argued that we should view 3D printing as entertainment, and that by trying things out and daring to fail, we will find successful solutions. He presented a number of examples of components and tools used in production at Volvo Cars that have led to significant savings. Among other cost-cutters, the use of various 3D-printed covers and tools during assembly can result in fewer rejects.

Karolina Melki of Siemens Energy talked about Metal Binder Jetting.

Karolina Melki of Siemens Energy talked about the odyssey of introducing Metal Binder Jetting technology at the company and the pros and cons of this technology. She also presented concrete examples of very small components for burners that are currently mass-produced with MBJ at Siemens Energy in Finspång.

After lunch there was a rewarding tour of the Chalmers AM lab, where parts of the machinery were presented. Participants also got to feel and squeeze various metal components printed in the lab.

The day ended with an in-depth look at Generative Design and how to work concretely “from structural task to robust design”.

Voices from the seminar

Participants included representatives from major companies such as Alfa Laval, Atlas Copco, Husqvarna, Volvo Cars and Volvo Group, as well as a wide range of smaller companies who came to gain insights into the technology and its possibilities.

Among them was Magnus Thordmark, who works at AB Orax in Vårgårda, a company that sells funeral and burial equipment.

“We’re here to look and learn. We sell products in small volumes, so this could be something for us. For example, we’ve checked out the possibility of 3D printing an urn together with a supplier,” he says.

Kaj Kosonen of Flexflock in Tibro sees the seminar as an opportunity to broaden skills and business opportunities.

“It gets you thinking and gives you new ideas. It’s also useful to see that you don’t have to do everything yourself; there are other companies out there you can hire to do the printing,” he says.

A feasibility study may be next

Robert Aronsson's company, Totech Industriutveckling in Billingsfors, has already been in contact with representatives of 3D-Action regarding the possibility of participating in a feasibility study within the framework of the project.

“We’ve started discussions about getting help to develop a hydraulic block, so that’s exciting,” says Robert Aronsson.

Through its participation in a 3D-Action feasibility study, the company will get help with identifying how additive manufacturing could be used in the business in general or for the production of a specific component. It will also learn how the technology could boost its competitiveness and contribute to more sustainable production. Read more about the feasibility study here.

Upcoming seminars

3D-Action is planning two more insight seminars, to be held in the spring of 2023. More information on the topics, dates and registration process for these seminars will be published on the “Events and Conferences” page in early 2023.

Visit the 3D-Action website for more information about the project and contact us if you have any questions or would like to participate in the feasibility study!