Industry 4.0 - also referred to as the fourth Industrial Revolution - is a broad term for the new technologies and data - such as cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence - that are revolutionizing the worlds of manufacturing and distribution.
- Additive Manufacturing, or 3D printing technology, is one of the key factors in determining which manufacturers will be able to compete and succeed in the age of Industry 4.0.
- The advantages of 3D printing technology include cost reduction, resource-saving, sustainability, prototype testing, and acceleration of new innovations.
- The market for 3D will nearly triple in size by 2026 and the key focus will be the development of high-performance materials.
- Businesses can respond quickly to market demands with the best quality products and the best value will have a higher chance of winning. This is the undeniable advantage that 3D printing will offer.
Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a process used to fabricate a physical object from a three-dimensional (3D) digital model, typically by laying down and bonding a large number of successive thin layers of materials.
Subtractive manufacturing involves material removal with turning, milling, drilling, grinding, cutting, and boring. The material is typically metals or plastics, and the end product has a smooth finish with tight dimensional tolerances. A wide variety of materials are available.
Versatility: A large print bed (10m x 5m x 1.6 high) allows printing large scale items to match your specific needs based on your design (CAD), we can provide configurations to suit your application.
Flexibility: With the ability to print vertically and at 45°, and compatibility with a variety of virgin and recycled materials, including PA, PP, PESU, PEI, PET, ABS, HDPE and beyond, our Print and milling system offers unparalleled flexibility in operation.
Quick ROI: No upfront cost to purchase an expensive 3D Printer, simply use our Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS). With its high print speeds and ultra-energy-efficient material dryer, our MaaS can assure a swift return on manufacturing your custom or bespoke products. It's speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness can be a valuable asset in any manufacturing process to shorten lead times. This means faster deployment of a bespoke solution compared to traditional means of manufacturing and longer lead times.
Custom solutions: On-demand custom solutions that can help reduce Carbon emissions when recycled materials are used for manufacturing of products.
Polypropylene (PP) is a widely used thermoplastic polymer with applications in various industries. In the automotive sector, 3D printing with Polypropylene allows for the rapid prototyping of parts and components, taking advantage of its lightweight nature and chemical resistance. Consumer goods benefit from PP's versatility, enabling the creation of customized and functional products.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) based compounds represent a robust and versatile material with diverse applications. HDPE is widely used due to the material's durability, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. This makes it suitable for applications in industries such as automotive manufacturing, where the material can be employed to produce durable and impact-resistant components.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) based compounds are a versatile and widely used material. ABS is a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, durability, and resistance to impact. ABS-based compounds are utilized in 3D printing due to the mechanical properties and excellent dimensional stability. This makes them suitable for applications where a balance between toughness and printability is crucial. ABS is easily modified to imbue features like UV resistance, flame retardance, or even increased tensile strength, expanding the potential applications of ABS in additive manufacturing.
Polycarbonate (PC) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its high impact resistance, optical clarity, and heat resistance. PC is a popular choice for applications that require toughness and transparency. In the realm of 3D printing, PC is utilized for various industrial and consumer applications.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) compounds offer a unique combination of properties, including high tensile strength and flexibility. Its high transparency and toughness have seen it adopted in many industries, due to the ease of processing.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a flexible and elastic material widely used in 3D printing for its unique combination of durability and elasticity. Its flexibility and elasticity make TPU suitable for applications in the hardware industry, where it can be utilized to create comfortable and resilient grips for tools. In medical applications, TPU is employed to produce flexible and biocompatible 3D printed medical devices and prosthetics.
YES we do, we use recycled thermoplastics like HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) made from milk or shampoo bottles.
A circular economy is one where waste materials are reused, recycled or not used in the first place, so they never get thrown away. It relies on three principles: Design out waste and pollution. Keep products and materials in use.
NO. Carbon (CO2) emissions are reduced when goods are made from recycled materials rather than from raw materials.
- Significantly lighter than traditional concrete components, reducing transportation costs and making installation easier and faster.
- Potential material cost savings by using recycled HDPE instead of concrete.
- Sustainable material use with recycled HDPE, aligning with increasing demands for eco-friendly solutions.
Reduced carbon footprint compared to the production and transport of concrete components.
- Ability to tailor designs to specific project requirements, including custom shapes, sizes, and features that might be more difficult or costly to achieve with concrete.
- Modular designs that can be easily adjusted or expanded based on project needs.
- Recycled HDPE is resistant to corrosion and chemical exposure, potentially offering longer-lasting performance in harsh environmental conditions.
- Less maintenance required over time compared to concrete, which can degrade or crack under certain conditions.