Material failure and sudden machine stoppage? In such situations, a quick response and appropriate action are essential in order to resume production as soon as possible. Damaged components and wear to the structure’s material pose a real risk to any production line.
While it is possible to reduce this risk through a combination of quality control and early fault detection, it cannot be eliminated entirely. In such cases, 3D printing is a valuable tool for managing spare parts and restoring machines to working order quickly.
3D printing: still underestimated potential
“3D printing is no longer a passing fad, but a proven tool used in industry to increase production flexibility and efficiency,” says Florian Ebner, a long-standing 3D printing expert at Conrad Electronic. In his opinion, many companies still fail to recognise the full potential of this technology.
“When time is of the essence and a machine breakdown due to a damaged component halts production, the ability to print a replacement part locally — such as a handle, gear or hinge — becomes a huge advantage,” he explains.
However, he points out that, when it comes to self-produced parts, issues relating to warranties and the possible use of third-party intellectual property must be considered.
Advantages of 3D printing in industry
Professional 3D printers, designed for industrial applications, offer great flexibility in the production of complex components in terms of both the materials used and the variety of shapes.
‘Many small and medium-sized enterprises still use older models of equipment in their machine parks for which spare parts are no longer available. In the event of a breakdown, 3D printing is the ideal solution — a quick and convenient way to produce the missing component,’ Conrad emphasises.
Further advantages of this technology include precise fit, short lead times and the ability to produce small batches, which are particularly important in situations where components are difficult to obtain. 3D printing can also support effective spare parts management. Some spare parts no longer need to be stored in large quantities — they can simply be produced as required, reducing storage costs and allowing for better use of available capital.
Other applications of 3D printing
Optimising spare parts management is just one of the many practical applications of 3D printers in industry. Thanks to specialised design elements, tools can be modified and adapted to suit individual needs, enabling safe assembly without risking damage.
3D printing also enables the production of specialised holders and customised assembly tools that can significantly reduce machine changeover times.
Additive technology also supports the modernisation of existing equipment and production lines (retrofit). For instance, replacing slide bearings with ball bearings or equipping older machines with modern sensors becomes easier because a 3D printer can quickly produce mountings dedicated to new components.
From purchase to consulting
In the event of material failure and machine downtime, the Conrad Sourcing Platform provides technical procurement support. It offers a wide selection of spare parts and measuring equipment for production and maintenance purposes.
The range also includes 3D printers tailored to different needs, as well as the appropriate filaments and accessories.
