We assume that the next decade will completely change the operation of today's machine maintenance and replacement parts.
3D printing (additive production) continues to confirm every year that as technology will be one of the most efficient methods of manufacturing spare parts. Companies are not only able to quickly produce prototypes, but also customised and improved spare parts.
This has several major advantages: the parts will be printed directly at the place where they are used, eliminating storage and logistics costs and works will be available practically immediately.
One potential problem can be the choice of the right material, but there is now a wide portfolio of available metal powders, plastics and ceramics intended for additive production.
This technology is also used for such demanding applications such as aircraft turbines, engine parts and automotive components, so it is suitable for virtually all areas of industry.
One of the biggest barriers to additive production is currently the price and the relatively high technological know-how. However, both will be an increasingly minor obstacle in the coming years and will therefore be increasingly enforced.
Not only is it possible to produce a spare part quickly (usually within 24 hours), but the original design can be edited to even better fill the function. It is now starting to increasingly promote topological optimization. Changing the design mainly results in weight reduction, strength increases and stiffness in critical locations. The combination of different materials in one of the parts allows you to achieve even better results and the like, all on the spot.
Reverse engineering and an example of practice
Let's get a short example: there will be serious damage to the machine flange during production. The damaged flange is scanned by the 3D scanner, and, where appropriate, the 3D CAD software is adjusted and amplifies in order to prevent this damage in the future.
Optical analysis can also determine the material used and choose the most appropriate alternative that the 3D printer offers to us. The flange is then printed and the production can continue in a short time. It is important to emphasise that the company becomes completely independent throughout the supply chain.
In the future, however, it is highly probable that all parts used will already be stored on the cloud in a virtual library with all the necessary parameters for their immediate printing.
This data should be provided by the machine manufacturer and we as his customer under warranty we will have this data available. In a single click you will be able to make a spare part. Today Utopia, soon the reality.
