“3D printing technology requires a different skill set… To maximise the benefits of AM, we need to use DfAM [Design for Additive Manufacturing] in our design aspects, which will help us utilise the technology to the fullest,” says Anuj Budhiraja, Vice President – Phillips Additive – India, Middle East, Malaysia, Phillips Machine Tools.
By Nishant Kashyap
How would you describe the recent advancements in 3D printing technology and their potential impact on various industries?
There have been several advancements in 3D printing. Some of the key ones include the development of new materials, and improved software & hardware capabilities such as multi-material printing and high-resolution printing. These have not only helped resolve the challenges related to batch production of various industries like tooling, aerospace, and healthcare, but have also improved the productivity of tools and end-use parts. 3D printing is also helping industries overcome challenges surrounding supply change and increased cost of raw materials. It is making them capable of printing parts as and when needed, thereby improving productivity and performance.
In your opinion, what are the key factors driving the growth of the 3D printing industry in India?
The Indian manufacturing industry is undergoing a transformation. It is mainly focusing on implementing industry 4.0, and smart manufacturing to cater to the global market with best-in-class infrastructure. To improve its manufacturing infrastructure, the industry is looking at Additive Manufacturing (AM) as one of the key technologies to better their products with:
- Freedom of design
- Functional integration
- Customisation
- Shortening lead times
- Improvements in functionality and quality
- Improved ergonomics
The industry is also moving towards mass customisation and needs AM technology to support the low-volume production with shortened product development cycle. The key factors driving the growth of AM adoption in India are:
- Focus on the global market
- Manufacturing infrastructure improvement
- Shortening product development cycle
- ‘Make in India’ initiative to develop products
How do you see the adoption of 3D printing technology evolving in India in the next few years?
Innovation in 3D printing in India will continue to grow. Factors such as expanding interest in customised products and new-age technology companies developing products using the latest technologies like drone, IoT devices, healthcare, and custom accessories in automotive will further its growth.
Additionally, government initiatives to promote AM technologies and the development of a skilled workforce also contribute to the growth of the 3D printing industry in India. Recently, the government set up the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM), an organisation to devise the framework around AM, and its path and future in the country. This shows the government’s commitment to promote and establish AM in India.
How do you envision 3D printing technology transforming the die and mould making industry in India?
Mould and die manufacturing faces a unique combination of challenges, including working with tough alloys, achieving repeatable micron-level precision, creating complex part geometries, and meeting the ever-growing demands for faster production at lower costs. 3D printing can solve these challenges using various approaches such as hybrid printing, conformal cooling channels and support-less printing.
What points should die and mould makers keep in mind when incorporating 3D printing into their manufacturing processes?
Mould makers need to consider the following points while incorporating 3D printing into their manufacturing process:
- Material selection
- Quality control
- Maintenance and repair
- Intellectual property
- Regulatory compliance
Are there any specific materials or technologies that are particularly suitable for die and mould production using 3D printing?
Several materials and technologies are particularly used in die and mould production using 3D printing. The most used materials include metal powders (such as stainless steel, titanium, and aluminium), thermoplastics (such as ABS and nylon), and photopolymers (such as acrylics and epoxies), which are available in AM.
The materials and technologies used will depend on the requirements of the application and the capabilities of the 3D printing equipment. However, most of the challenges faced by the die and mould industry can now be addressed using the available technologies and materials.
How important is training and skill development in order to fully leverage the benefits of 3D printing in die and mould making?
To reap the benefits of 3D printing in die and mould making, training and skill development is crucial. The current education system mostly teaches the traditional way of manufacturing and barely focuses on Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) techniques.
3D printing technology requires a different skill set. And so, educating students about 3D printing technology will prove to be beneficial, especially with regard to DfAM concepts. To maximise the benefits of AM, we need to use DfAM in our design aspects, which will help us utilise the technology to the fullest.
What are the main advantages that 3D printing offers die and mould makers in terms of efficiency, cost savings and design possibilities?
The main advantages that 3D printing offers die and mould makers include:
In terms of efficiency, AM can reduce the time and cost involved in traditional die and mould making processes, allowing for faster and more efficient production.
In terms of cost savings, die and mould makers can produce customised dies and moulds on demand, eliminating the need for large inventories and reducing waste, which can help companies optimise their supply chain and reduce costs.
In terms of design possibilities, 3D printing enables the production of highly complex and intricate designs that are difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods, allowing for more innovative and unique designs that meet the specific needs of customers.
This interview was first published on TAGMA Times Newsletter
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