IFC Intelligent Feeding Components GmbH from Baden-Württemberg has not only made a name for itself in innovative feeding and assembly technology, but also in the use of modern 3D printing technologies.
The company’s in-house 3D printing division produces high-quality metal and plastic products for various industries, including customized orthopaedic arm supports. To ensure the consistently high surface quality of these products, the company recently invested in a mechanical post-processing solution.
Dominik Riegg, managing the additive manufacturing department at IFC Intelligent Feeding Components GmbH, comments: „We tested many different systems, before we finally got to talk to AM Solutions at the Formnext 2022 exhibition. What impressed us immediately was that the equipment, built in-house, is very sturdy and, thus, can handle any industrial environment, no matter how demanding this might be. Moreover, the specialists at AM Solutions quickly understood what we need and with the S1 shot blast system they presented an optimal solution.“
Poly beads were chosen as the blasting medium because they offer a longer service life and better surface quality compared to glass beads, despite being more expensive.
Riegg continues: „We decided to use poly beads for our shot blasting process. This media may be a bit more expensive but offers a considerably longer service life than glass beads. The glass beads penetrated the work piece surface, which can be highly problematic in the medical field. With the poly beads we achieve a smooth and highly homogeneous surface finish. This makes the wearing of the arm brace very comfortable,” explains Mr. Riegg.
By purchasing the S1 system, IFC was able to reduce post-processing time by 70%. Previously, the 3D-printed products had to be manually unpacked and sandblasted; now this is done automatically in a single operation. The capacity of armrest processing has doubled, while staff are freed up for other tasks.
Riegg concludes: „Today we increasingly handle smaller work piece batches. To remain cost-efficient, we must automate our manufacturing operations and must have total process stability. Post processing is an essential link in our manufacturing chain and is a lot more than just making a product “pretty.” In the end, automated post processing is essential for achieving consistent, high qualities and allows us to expand our technological possibilities. Our S1 system amortized itself in 1.5 years, but its positive effects for our production will last for a long time.“
The S1 system has paid for itself within a year and a half, but its positive effects on production will continue for a long time to come.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
