ADDITIVE MANUFACTURINGSECTION TITLE
Software algorithms can identify suitable parts for AM
low annual production volumes. It would take about eight weeks for a new part to be produced and tested, meaning costs would quickly escalate when the process required multiple iterations. Wanting to transition some of the processes over to AM, Stanley went looking for a platform that could automate the selection of high- end 3D printing for end-use parts. It was
also looking to produce parts using more sophisticated materials like aluminium, titanium and steel. “Not only were we able to produce the
first Stanley Black & Decker 3D printed metal production part, we were able to reduce lead times from eight weeks to nine days and decrease our costs by 50%,” says Moses Pezarkar, a Stanley manufacturing
engineer. Te engineering team at Stanley has since ramped up the number of parts the software system is analysing to further capitalise on AM.
MARCHING FORWARD With potentially dramatic cost and time savings, business leaders are looking to further expand AM’s footprint in their production process. Aerospace and medical equipment industries are leading the way regarding AM for end-use parts. In addition, machinery, industrial equipment, oil and gas, as well as energy are beginning to take advantage of AM beyond prototyping.
A major shift has also come from an educational standpoint where universities are increasingly adopting more 3D printing curricula and buying 3D printers. Tis promises to deliver more AM-minded design engineers into the workforce. Tis, along with AM decision-making software systems, promises to speed up the adoption of AM beyond prototyping.
A fastener CAD file
Greg Rankin is a freelance journalist covering technology, CAD and industrial design engineering.
www.engineerlive.com 19
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