‘The adoption of 3D printing technology in India is poised for significant growth in the coming years.’ “Increased awareness and understanding of the benefits of 3D printing, such as design freedom, cost savings, and reduced time to market, will lead to broader adoption in the automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors”, says Vishwanath Harpanahalli.
By Nishant Kashyap
How would you describe the recent advancements in 3D printing technology and their potential impact on various industries?
3D printing has revolutionised traditional manufacturing processes. It offers die and mould makers in India a new frontier to explore, enabling enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and unparalleled design possibilities. The recent advancements in 3D printing technology have been transformative, opening up a world of possibilities for various industries. Additionally, Additive Manufacturing (AM) has evolved significantly, enabling the production of complex geometries, functional prototypes, and end-use parts with exceptional precision and speed. These advancements have had a profound impact on industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods, among others.
What are the key factors driving the growth of the 3D printing industry in India?
Firstly, new-age industries like drones, robotics, and Electric Vehicles (EVs) are adopting 3D printing technology to leverage its advantages in design complexity, customisation, and rapid prototyping. This has created demand for advanced 3D printing solutions in India.
Secondly, the Indian government’s initiatives, like the ‘Make in India’ campaign, have created a favourable environment for innovation and manufacturing. The government’s focus on promoting indigenous manufacturing and the establishment of technology and innovation hubs have encouraged the adoption of 3D printing technology.
Thirdly, the availability of advanced 3D printers, materials, and software solutions has played a significant role in the growth of the 3D printing industry in India. With ease of access to these technologies, more industries and businesses are recognising the potential of 3D printing and embracing it to enhance their manufacturing processes.
How do you see the adoption of 3D printing technology evolving in India in the next few years?
The adoption of 3D printing technology in India is poised for significant growth in the coming years. Increased awareness and understanding of the benefits of 3D printing, such as design freedom, cost savings, and reduced time to market, will lead to broader adoption in the automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will also increasingly embrace 3D printing technology to enhance their competitiveness and accelerate product development. Additionally, the availability of funding and support for startups and research institutions in the 3D printing space will contribute to the growth of the industry. Collaborations between academia, industry players, and government bodies will foster innovation and drive the adoption of 3D printing in India.
How do you envision 3D printing technology transforming the die and mould making industry in India?
Traditionally, die and mould production involved time-consuming processes, intricate tooling, and skilled craftsmanship. However, with the advent of 3D printing, manufacturers can significantly reduce lead times, improve design iterations, and achieve complex geometries with ease. Formlabs offers advanced technologies such as stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) that are particularly suitable for die and mould production. These technologies provide high precision, a smooth surface finish, and excellent dimensional accuracy, enabling die and mould makers to create intricate and customised moulds. Furthermore, 3D printing offers design flexibility, allowing for the production of lightweight and optimised dies and moulds, reducing material waste and enhancing overall efficiency. With the ability to produce complex cooling channels and conformal cooling, 3D printing enhances the performance and quality of dies and moulds. By leveraging 3D printing technology, die and mould makers in India can accelerate their production cycles, achieve cost savings, and unlock new design possibilities, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness in the market.
What are the main advantages that 3D printing offers die and mould makers in terms of efficiency, cost savings and design possibilities?
Firstly, it enables significant efficiency gains by reducing lead times. Traditional die and mould production involves multiple iterations and manual tooling, leading to longer production cycles. With 3D printing, die and mould makers can rapidly produce prototypes and functional moulds, allowing for quicker design iterations and faster time to market. Moreover, 3D printing eliminates the need for complex tooling setups, reducing costs associated with tooling maintenance and modifications. It also enables die and mould makers to consolidate multiple parts into a single printed component, reducing assembly time and costs. In terms of design possibilities, 3D printing offers unprecedented freedom to create complex geometries and internal features that are challenging to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. Die and mould makers can incorporate intricate cooling channels, conformal cooling, and lightweight designs, resulting in improved part quality and performance.
What points should die and mould makers keep in mind when incorporating 3D printing into their manufacturing processes?
Die and mould makers should consider several factors when incorporating 3D printing into their manufacturing processes. Firstly, they should evaluate the suitability of 3D printing for their specific applications and understand the limitations and capabilities of the technology. This assessment will help them identify the most appropriate projects for AM and optimise the integration of 3D printing into their existing workflows. Additionally, die and mould makers should invest in reliable and high-quality 3D printing equipment and software solutions. Collaborating with experienced 3D printing service providers or experts can also facilitate a smoother transition and ensure optimal outcomes. Furthermore, it is crucial to educate and upskill the workforce on 3D printing technologies, materials, and design principles. Training and skill development programs will empower the workforce to fully leverage the benefits of 3D printing and effectively operate and maintain the equipment. Die and mould makers should also consider the selection of materials suitable for their specific die and mould applications. Working closely with material manufacturers, such as Formlabs, can help them choose the right materials with the desired mechanical properties, heat resistance, and durability. By considering these factors, die and mould makers can successfully incorporate 3D printing into their manufacturing processes and unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.
How important is training and skill development in order to fully leverage the benefits of 3D printing in die and mould making?
Training and skill development are crucial for fully leveraging the benefits of 3D printing in die and mould making. While 3D printing offers tremendous potential, understanding the technology, materials, and design principles is essential to achieve optimal results. Die and mould makers should invest in comprehensive training programs that cover various aspects of 3D printing, including equipment operation, software utilisation, material selection, and post-processing techniques. Training programs can be tailored to the specific needs of die and mould makers, addressing their unique challenges and requirements. Moreover, upskilling the workforce with knowledge of 3D printing technologies empowers them to identify suitable applications, optimise designs for AM, and troubleshoot potential issues. Skilled operators can ensure proper machine maintenance, calibrations, and perform the necessary adjustments to achieve accurate and consistent 3D printed dies and moulds. Continuous skill development and staying updated with the latest advancements in 3D printing technology are also important for die and mould makers to explore new opportunities and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape. By prioritising training and skill development, die and mould makers can maximise the benefits of 3D printing, enhance productivity, and drive innovation in their die and mould manufacturing processes.
This interview was published in TAGMA Times July 2023 edition.
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