IMTS 2024 Conference: Metal 3D Printing – Successful Implementation in Series Production and Fixture Construction

Thursday September 12 3:15 PM CST
IMTS68 Room W193-B

Learn about the presentation
The presentation dives into two case studies from central application areas of metal additive manufacturing (metal AM), with a focus on series production and fixture construction. The first part focuses on a case study where the serial production of an international machine manufacturer (INDEX) was successfully improved to increase efficiency and subsequently reduce costs. The initial hurdle involved the economical production of a slider for the bar feeder magazine of INDEX's multi-spindle automatic turning machines, encompassing a slider trolley and a clamping piece. Throughout the presentation, the transition will be shown from the initial challenges faced by INDEX, including high material costs, prolonged assembly times, and storage expenses, to the implemented solution involving the creation of CAD models and intelligent design approaches. The resulting benefits include substantial cost reduction, diminished storage requirements, streamlined assembly processes, and minimized scrap generation. The second presentation part revolves around the application of metal AM in fixture construction. Specifically, the case study highlights how a German metalworking company (Hoedtke) uses metal AM for the welding of safety-critical pipe bends. The challenge lies in clamping the pipes in the welding system. Due to their geometry and the approved production process, conventional welding systems prove to be difficult. In the solution presented, tailor-made clamping jaws are produced using metal AM. This provides the company with a customized solution for its challenge, more economical production and a reduction in throughput times of over 60% compared to conventional processes. The advantages lie in the optimized component design, the reduced workload and the significantly shorter throughput times across the entire production process.

Meet your presenter
Michael Staiger, technical sales manager and business development professional at One Click Metal, is a dedicated individual propelled by an unwavering enthusiasm for the realm of additive manufacturing (AM). Boasting an extensive background in CAD design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) and profound experience in process development and various applications spanning across a broad spectrum of industries, Michael is on a mission.

His journey is steered by a compelling vision—to broaden the accessibility of metal AM. Firmly believing that this cutting-edge technology should be accessible to a wider audience, Michael aims to revolutionize aerospace components, enhance general industrial processes, advance automotive engineering, and contribute to groundbreaking medical device innovations.

Michael is committed to bridging the gap between potential and realization by leveraging his expertise and passion. His dedication is evident in his pursuit of exploring new horizons, fostering connections with fellow professionals, and seizing opportunities to propel the evolution of AM. Michael invites professionals to connect and explore how they can elevate projects to the next level and collectively shape the future of this exciting industry.