2023-05-15 15:06:38
With around 2,700 visitors, Rapid.Tech 3D was not the best-attended edition in the 19-year history of the AM event this year. In terms of content, the conges program was rock solid once more. Including keynote speakers from Shell and Ferrari and a very well-attended presentation by the Bundeswehr.
Rapid.Tech 3D mainly relies on the conference program. That is actually more important than the stock market. From next year, the organization will further develop both together with the Additive Manufacturing working group of the VDMA. This year there were keynote lectures by Ferrari, Shell and Ariane, among others.
Shell improves catalyst performance by 3D printing them
Ferrari: 3D metal printing too expensive and slow
As far as Ferrari is concerned, the AM industry still has to take the necessary steps if additive manufacturing is to become really interesting for the sports car manufacturer. Although the carmaker’s future is function integration to save even more weight, Franco Pinna, Head of Innovation and Advanced Technologies at Ferrari, is not yet convinced of 3D printing. That does not alter the fact that the prototype department contains five polymer 3D printers (including Stratasys Fortus 450mc) and two laser powder bed metal printers. For production with AM, the technology must become cheaper. Franco Pinna: “Cost is the biggest problem. Metal is not affordable. And the machines have to get faster; the difference with casting is not acceptable.” Nevertheless, Ferrari is committed to a future with AM as a production technique and is working together with universities, start-ups and suppliers.
Shell: better performing catalysts
On the second day of the AM event in Erfurt, Jurjen Meeuwissen from Shell gave one of the keynote presentations. The senior researcher at Shell in Amsterdam focused in particular on the role of additive manufacturing in the production of catalysts for chemical reactors. The design freedom is the reason for the Shell researchers to further investigate AM. Together with VITO, among others, a case study was done with the 3D printing of a ceramic catalyst. Another test also shows that the 3D printed catalysts yield a 30 percent higher activity at a lower density. Even without optimizing the design, you need to put less material in the reactor. Jurjen Meeuwissen: “We still have a lot of work to do, but the upside potential is great. We can make catalysts that are better that we can’t make traditionally.” The 3D printed catalysts can play a role in the energy and climate transition of the chemical industry.
Clockwise: 3D metal printing at Farsoon; the TUe was present with the ZEM, the zeo emission car that is 3D printed. And the JLox stand featured the 3D metal printer from the Belgian Fuselab.
Bundeswehr: short-term availability
3D printing plays that role for the German Bundeswehr. In a packed room, Tobis Gartner presented various applications for the German Air Force. These were examples where the existing supply chain might not provide a timely solution. For example, a bracket for attaching night vision goggles to pilots’ helmets (printed on a Stratasys Fortus 450 mc) and a special nozzle that feeds warm air into the hold of the A400M (printed on a Formlabs Form 2). “That was necessary because we have placed IC beds on the plane and it is important for the patient that the temperature remains 20 degrees. Including the rotary joint, we print the part in one piece on an FFF printer,” says the engineer from the Bundeswehr construction office. The design agency wants to do more with 3D printing in the future and design especially for additive manufacturing. Particularly because, thanks to additive manufacturing, the parts can be available in the short term.
Of 20e edition of Rapid.Tech 3D will take place next year in Erfurt from 14 – 16 May 2024.
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