ASML and Fontys have joined forces to conduct more research into the possibilities of 3D metal printing. The 3D metal printer of the Fontys Centre of Expertise High Tech Systems & Materials (HTSM) will be used to carry out practical research into the creation of complex prototypes and products.
There is increasing demand from industry for groundbreaking solutions in this field. After all, making complex parts is often not possible with conventional techniques. Fontys wants to capitalise on this with its 3D printing lab and offer students the chance to develop innovative ideas for the industrial (high-tech) sector. ASML also turned out to be interested in doing research with the 3D metal printer and has joined as a co-financier.
The research
Fontys' 3D metal printer allows ASML designers to conduct research and learn design principles for this manufacturing technology. Robert Swinckels, group leader of the Test Facilities department at ASML and his colleague Edwin Krijnen, group leader of sensorics and competence additive manufacturing, set up the collaboration with Fontys.
"The big advantage is that with 3D metal printing you can actually create any complex shape within a limited working volume. For example, in the prototype phase we can design a sight model to see if it fits within our design. We also get an idea of what the feasibility of this production technology is on our applications."
Education and business
ASML believes it is important for students to be involved in new technological developments. "There are students doing an internship or graduation project specifically in this field. Their input can be very important for the transition to a new industry. It makes the threshold between business and education much lower."
Besides the 3D metal printer, the Fontys Centre of Expertise High Tech Systems & Materials (HTSM) also features 3D plastic printers and 3D scanning technologies.
Is 3D metal printing breaking through?
It seems that 3D metal printing is increasingly finding its way into the manufacturing industry, although SMEs still regularly encounter obstacles. According to experts, US General Electric's interest in metal printer manufacturer SLM Solutions in autumn 2016 was an important signal that 3D metal printing is on the rise, though. The supply of 3D metal printers and the number of companies engaged in it are also growing in the Netherlands.
A survey of US manufacturing companies also found that more than half expect 3D printing to make a definitive breakthrough as a manufacturing technology within the next five years.
Soon you will read more about the rise of 3D metal printing in various industries on Maakindustrie.nl.
By: Kelly Bakker
Photos: Fontys
