3D printing – aka additive manufacturing – is the process by which material is solidified layer-on-layer to produce physical objects based on computerised models. While the idea is almost 40 years old now, it just hit its prime as a viable manufacturing technology. No longer limited to the confines of the rapid-prototyping workshop, the cost of 3D printers has come down fast, while the range of printing material continues to grow exponentially. Notably, it is now possible to print anything from human body parts through food to fine jewellery, depending on your preference as a designer.
In a production context, it is considered one of the more disruptive technologies of the Industry 4.0 era because of its potential to upset the economics of manufacturing. As prices drop and the technology becomes ubiquitous, it’s been predicted that certain products will be cheaper to manufacture at, or much closer to, the point of sale. The idea is that even though the individual unit cost may be higher, this would be offset by the saving on transport and other inventory related expenses. In the automotive industry, for example, spare parts could be printed in the repair shop as and when they are required, cutting the need for inventory and supply chain management. The raw materials would, of course, have to be held on the premises, so some degree of stock holding will still exist.
Among the automation companies, Metso is one of the first movers in the field. For years, Metso Flow Control has been exploring the possibilities of the technology for manufacturing purposes. So far, this has been limited to research and development and the quick resupply of rarely used spare parts to customers around the globe. But that changed recently after the company received an urgent call from an end user having problems with the valves it currently used in a harsh gas treatment application. A new solution was needed, capable of faster cycle speeds and exceptionally long service intervals.
Utilising their experience with digital models and 3D printing, Metso engineers were able to produce robust new valve components for this application, custom-designed to cope with the extreme process conditions, and manufactured from materials capable of lasting the duration of the extended service intervals. This project cut to the quick of Industry 4.0 promise in an elegant combination of customer pull and technology push, which resulted in the company shipping its first ever valves fitted with printed components. To meet the radical specification, Metso used 3D printing technology to create a new, ultra-robust valve design with special emphasis placed on the sliding surfaces. For more on how they did it, see ‘First Metso valves with 3D printed parts’.
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...A strategic milestone for Conical Technologies Conical Technologies
News
Conical Technologies has been appointed as the sole distributor in southern Africa for Mibbo, manufacturers of a vast array of products for the automation industry.
Read more...Robotics TechTalk at UKZN
News
The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held an exciting TechTalk. It was an opportunity to introduce students to the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter, SAIMC, and the Robotics Association of South Africa.
Read more...Schneider Electric honoured with Gender Leader Award Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum. This award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.
Read more...Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 closes on a high note
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 officially wrapped up after three dynamic days at Gallagher Convention Centre, cementing its status as Africa’s leading platform for industrial automation, AI and IoT.
Read more...A new generation of solar professionals
News
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.
Read more...From the editor's desk: The age of superintelligence Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
In this issue of SA Instrumentation & Control we say farewell to our longstanding contributing editor, Michael Brown, who is retiring soon. His outstanding contribution over the years in the field of ...
Read more...SAIMC: Sunshine, swings and smiles: Durban Golf Day hits a high note Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
SAIMC
We say it every year, and we’ll say it again: May in Durban is hard to beat; but 9 May, when the Durban Golf Day teed off at Kloof Country Club, was something else. With sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 20s, it was a fantastic day, full of fun and great energy.
Read more...Driving digital transformation in the new wave SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
News
The latest presentation in the series ‘Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry’ will be held on Wednesday 25 June. It will be presented by Johan Potgieter, Cluster Industrial Software Leader for Schneider Electric, South Africa.
printer friendly version