The Industrial Additive Manufacturing in Metals (IAMM) initiative has been awarded a SPRONG application by Regieorgaan SIA. Within this project, the Fontys, Windesheim and Saxion universities of applied sciences work together with various parties on the further development of 3D metal printing and the accumulation of knowledge. For the next four years, IAMM will receive a grant and 50 per cent co-financing.
SPRONG is a grant programme of the Regieorgaan SIA. The aim is to allow research groups to grow and contribute to the integration of universities of applied sciences in the regional, national and international knowledge ecosystem. Projects receiving support from SPRONG also help further develop into knowledge institutions.
3D printing gains popularity
Additive manufacturing or 3D printing has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years. The technology offers various interesting possibilities. These include producing prototypes faster, producing components in small runs or manufacturing customised products. 3D printing is possible in various materials, including metal.
Unique challenges
3D metal printing is not new, but it brings unique challenges. These include the higher costs relative to other forms of 3D printing. IAMM therefore calls proper embedding in the chain very important. Not only technologically, but also commercially.
Rein van der Mast, research leader 3D printing in Metals at Fontys Engineering, explains: "The designer and the work planner need to know how to find each other easily. After all, decisions made by the designer have major consequences further down the chain."
Ecosystem missing
However, an ecosystem for the exchange of knowledge in the field and the creation of new applications of 3D metal printing techniques is lacking in the Netherlands. IAMM wants to help get this development going.
IAMM's objective for the next eight years is to further develop into a practice-oriented research group that develops new knowledge about the techniques for and applications of 3D metal printing. IAMM wants to share this knowledge with the field, and contribute to current education on this key technology.
Various parties involved
Various parties are involved in the project, including universities, industry associations, knowledge centres and tech companies. However, also consider several regional field labs and the Centres of Expertise GreenPAC, TechForFuture and HTSM Fontys. IAMM cooperates with Flam3D, a network organisation for 3D printing in the Benelux. The leader within the project is Windesheim's Professorship of Plastics Technology.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Photo: softeus via Pixabay
