3D
printing – often referred to as additive manufacturing in industrialisation- has quickly established itself as one of the essential processes to master for any companies wishing to enter the Industry of the Future. Crouzet is part of those industrials.
How does 3D printing work?
This technique consists in melting a filament of synthetic material (generally plastic) using an extrusion mozzle heated to between 160°C and 400°C. This produces a small string of plastic. The final piece is built by adding layer upon layer to it using 3D file.
«3D printing will change how we design and think about production tools»,
Fabien Pelaez, Industrialization Engineer & Project Manager.
What makes 3D printing so essential?
- No limit and flexibility Traditional processes, and each manufacturing process, comes with its own limitations. With 3D printing, you can do whatever we want. It’s an ideal machine for prototying. In Crouzet’s plant in Valence, the 3D printer runs practically 24 hours a day and requests to make prototypes are regular.
- Free design and innovation 3D printing gives industrial product designers more freedom. 3D printing opens up new opportunities in how you can imagine and design industrial parts. This makes 3D printing an innovative and optimized process Crouzet is intending to develop.
- Optimization of productivity This new technology helps optimize time –and therefore productivity- to give the company a leg up on competition.
“We’re preparing the future with this type of innovative manufacturing.”
Crouzet also evaluates development opportunities and outlooks that could be possible by introducing this type of machine. This machine is truly intended to impact every one of the company’s departments and divisions.
The 3D printer will change how we design and think about our production tools and give us and edge to meet the needs of our customers and differentiate us from our competitors.