May 2019

www.smartmachinesandfactories.com May 2019 | 21 | | STRATEGIES | Ultimaker’s recent partnership with leading materials companies including NASF, Clariant, DSM and DuPont is a great example of this. Whether looking for a material certified for medical use or one with heat resistant properties, this immediate and low cost access to such a depth of materials resources opens the way for a huge variety of companies to now consider 3D printing, not only for proof of concept and functional prototypes but for tooling, bridge manufacturing and production of spare parts. Blended Manufacturing Models With a 3D hardware resource that now offers the repeatability and reliability required within a manufacturing process plus the accessibility of global materials, organisations can now begin to fundamentally rethink the way 3D printing is used at every stage of the manufacturing process. Innovative companies, from VW to L’Oreal, have already proven the cost and efficiency savings that can be achieved by embedding 3D printing within a manufacturing process. In 2019, we are set to see a whole new set of use cases that will fundamentally transform the way companies consider the role of this technology. For example, one leading brand is currently considering the way 3D printing can be used alongside its traditional manufacturing model to eradicate health and safety issues; while VW gained unexpected benefits from their deployment of the technology. When developing on demand internal printing of jigs, fixtures and drill guides to reduce the cost associated with damaging wheels during production the company found that the use of colour printing enabled the workforce to choose the correct tool for each side of the car - a new efficiency within production that was previously not considered. Essentially 3D printing is now a proven, robust, repeatable and reliable technology that is complementary to existing manufacturing processes – and companies can now think laterally about the way in which solutions can be blended into existing processes to address a range of issues. Conclusion This is an incredibly exciting time for anyone involved in product design or maintenance manufacture. However, if companies are to successfully explore the value of 3D printing it is essential to build the skills and expertise. The UK Additive Manufacture Strategy identified a number of key barriers, including education and skills. Given the well-known lack of interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), it is essential to take innovative thinking into schools, as well as the existing workplace. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to leverage 3D printing techniques to address that skills gap and entice young people to make a career in engineering, design or manufacture. In a similar way that 3D printing permeates through an organisation from engineering into design so to can the same happen in education. A tool thought isolated in design and technology can be used for printing pyramids for history lessons or maps for geography or complex mathematical theories. It is new thinking within education as much as industry that will be key to realising the potential of 3D printing in the longer term.