2023-06-12 13:38:15
Atlas Copco has started using Desktop Metal’s S-max Pro 3D sand printer for the production of tooling for castings. The compressor manufacturer wants to accelerate innovation by making more complex castings in a shorter time at lower costs.
The sand printer is located in Amberg in Germany, where Atlas Copco casts the parts for compressors by Luitpoldhütte. The sand printer is located next to the foundry’s production line, which means that the transport of the molds is completely eliminated. Atlas Copco invests in this sand printer from ExOne, now part of Desktop Metal, for two reasons.
Accelerate innovation and produce cheaper through 3D sand printing
Accelerate innovation
On the one hand, this has to do with the acceleration of innovation that the compressor manufacturer is striving for. “With 3D sand printing, innovation is not only much faster, it also ensures a very high degree of accuracy, which means that we can produce more complex casting cores. In short, with 3D sand printing we have more options, at a lower price and with a short lead time,” explains Rob Hoogmartens, technology developer castings at Atlas Copco. “That opens the door to new design possibilities within the next generation of Atlas Copco products.”
More sustainable solution, less CO2 emission
The second reason has everything to do with making production more sustainable. With its climate plan, Atlas Copco aims to reduce emissions from its direct activities, such as production, vehicles and offices, and from the energy used, by 46% by 2030 compared to 2019. In addition, Atlas Copco aims to reduce emissions from the value chain, mainly the carbon impact of its products in use, by 28% compared to 2019. The investment in the sand printer fits within this program. Within 3D sand printing, Atlas Copco focuses on integrated sand recycling. In sand printing, at least 30% sand is reused each time. This ensures that 3D sand printing is also a more sustainable and environmentally friendly process.
Transport expires
By printing the tooling next to the casting line, transport is also unnecessary. “In the past, our tooling was made at a different location and then transported to our foundry in Germany. Now our 3D sand printer is literally next to the molding line where casting is done. So complex logistics are no longer involved and that is of course much more environmentally friendly,” says Karolien Kempen, team leader new manufacturing technologies at Atlas Copco.
Building on existing experiences
Atlas Copco has been gaining experience with additive manufacturing technologies for several years and is building on this with the S-max Pro sand printer. With this printer, the company can go directly from the CAD model to the digital production of the sand molds and cores to take the final, classic step, the casting of the complex parts.
By the way, you can Atlas Copco using its own technology, oil-free compressors, with the S-max-Pro sand printer. This requires oil-free compressed air.
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