Few manufacturing technologies meet these criteria ; injection molding , requires high tooling investments and ramp-up-time before production can start . Milling can be very expensive and material-intense , and is limited regarding geometries and complex structures .
Adding value with additive manufacturing
The most viable option for bridging is additive manufacturing and in the last years 3D printing has become increasingly popular , especially for industrial applications .
Once a part is qualified and print parameters are set , it does not need any ramp up but can simply be sent securely to a 3D print service bureau for fast , cost-effective production . That ’ s to say , exactly where the part is needed , when it is needed and in the precise quantity needed – even a lot size of just one . It is these basic principles of 3D printing that continue to make it an agile and benefit-enhancing option for low-volume manufacturing requirements among OEMs large and small . ■
Replique replique . io
Dr . Henrike Wonneberger is COO and Co-Founder of BASF-owned , Replique , which offers an industrial 3D printing platform that enables OEMs to provide parts on-demand anytime and anywhere to their customers through a global , decentralized and secured 3D printing network . scw-mag . com 27