3D printing is being deployed in an increasing number of industries in new ways. The accessible technology enables short iterations, makes production processes more efficient and stimulates innovation. Just recently, research firm IDC predicted that 3D printing in the manufacturing industry will take off in the coming year by increasing 21.8% compared to last year. The Royal Netherlands Air Force deploys 3D printers at Woensdrecht military base to produce custom-made tools.
At the Royal Netherlands Air Force military base in Woensdrecht, aircraft and helicopters are repaired and maintained. The maintenance process of these is complex: each of these aircraft has custom-made parts. Regular tools do not always lend themselves to this. For this reason, Ultimaker 3D printers are used to print custom-made tools.
A special workshop, the MakAIRsJop, has been set up in Woensdrecht for this purpose. Here, engineers and students at the Royal Netherlands Air Force Military School can use new production techniques, such as 3D printing and laser cutting, in their daily work. Mastering the hardware and software requires about three hours of training. After that, anyone can independently design, print and optimise their own tool or fixture in short iterations.
Tool printing saves a lot of costs and time. One example is special caps on openings of jet engines. When these engines are transported, certain openings have to be covered with such a cap. These are very specific parts that cost a lot and have a long delivery time. With a 3D printer, production takes just two hours.
Desktop 3D printing is on the rise in the manufacturing industry and is finding its way into more and more industries. Whether in cosmetics, cars or aircraft, the accessible technology drives innovation, making existing processes smarter, more efficient and cheaper. By visibly placing printers in the workplace, and not hiding them behind lock and key, employees from different layers of the organisation are challenged to participate in innovations and optimisations that drive their business forward. There are an increasing number of different materials on the market that can be printed with, and software integrations that make printing ever easier. This will undoubtedly lead to yet another whole new range of applications.
Content and image: Paul Heiden, SVP Product Management at Ultimaker
