_________________________________________________________________________________________ Kingsbury
/ Additure
Turning to the company ’ s impact on customers ’ supply chains , Richard states : “ We ’ ve made some bold decisions to change the way we work with customers , and in a small but distinct way , we ’ re disrupting the supply chain with 3D metal printing . Although Covid isn ’ t the only factor that ’ s caused concern over the last few years , it certainly had an impact on the way people view their supply chain .
“ Certain industries like aerospace or oil and gas typically have parts made from a cast or forged form , but if you cast material , you have to manufacture a specific tool for that process . This is an expensive step that is justified by large order volumes ; but what about the situations where only one or a few parts are required ?
Rapid response
“ We worked with rail giant , Deutsche Bahn ( DB ), for instance , to provide a component called the secondary roll stop . As this part isn ’ t normally subject to wear and tear , it isn ’ t kept in stock . However , one of the parts had been accidentally damaged and DB were challenged with a minimum order quantity of four and a ten-month lead time from their supplier .
“ By using 3D printing , we could provide DB with an alternative production method . From pulling the trigger to delivering the parts , the process took five months , but most of this time was taken up with the initial development of the process . Once established , we repeated the journey and managed to produce the part within just three days , significantly reducing the supplier ’ s ten-month lead time .
“ Another example is our work with the Saline Water Conversion Corporation ( SWCC ) in Saudi Arabia to digitize their warehouse . As most of Saudi Arabia ’ s drinking water comes from the desalination of sea water , a huge inventory of spare parts is required to ensure operations run effectively . To reduce the cash tie up of such a holding , as well as the space required , we ’ ve created a digital inventory of established print and machine operations that allow for a rapid response whilst eliminating work in progress .”
Competitive concept
On the topic of projects , Ian is keen to share details of Additure ’ s involvement with I-Break . “ I-Break is a £ 30-million , five-year project to explore an alternative production method to reduce lead times for Airbus ’ landing equipment ,” he explains . “ As one of 12 consortium partners , we ’ re looking at the manufacturing processes behind the production of landing gear as part of the objective to reduce 18-month lead times to around six or even three months .”
As our conversation draws to a close , Richard and Ian reflect on the uptake of 3D printing and the ways in which Additure can reap the rewards . Richard comments : “ We ’ re currently involved in some interesting conversations in the Middle East ; not about supplying parts or printers , but about helping to set up a version of Additure in the region to support the oil and gas industry . Nothing is set in stone , but this could add an interesting division to an already unique business .”
Ian adds : “ Many people would argue that by supporting others in the ways we do , we ’ re building our own competitors , but we disagree . Instead , we believe that by educating the supply chain , demand will grow , and there will be enough commercial success to develop the supply chain together with others .”
“ That ’ s right ,” Richard concludes . “ As people learn more about the applications and capabilities of the technology , more products and systems will be designed with 3D printing suitability in mind . Metal 3D printing is also a more sustainable production method , so as demands and regulations around sustainable manufacturing come into force , we are poised to offer a competitive solution .” ■
www . kingsburyuk . com www . additure . co . uk
wscw-mag . com 31