Production plants are primarily composed of machines, which are essential to the manufacturing process. Ensuring their reliable operation is the responsibility of the maintenance department. This department plays a crucial role in maintaining machine functionality and is one of the key areas supporting efficiency and continuity in production processes. Any failure in a production machine must be swiftly repaired to prevent costly downtimes – response speed can be a decisive factor in a company’s financial performance.
Custom 3D printing – a fast and flexible solution that eliminates reliance on long supply chains and costly storage of spare parts, allowing parts to be produced on demand.
Rapid turnaround for missing components.
Reduced storage costs – parts can be printed as needed.
Customization – each part can be uniquely designed and printed without affecting final production costs.
Reverse engineering – recreating unique parts that are no longer available on the market.
3D Printing in industrial production
Professional 3D printing supports maintenance departments by providing quick access to unique components that traditionally require long lead times for procurement.
Rapid prototyping in maintenance – testing and optimization
Traditional manufacturing methods involve costly CNC machining or injection molding, which require long production times. 3D printing is an ideal way to quickly produce prototypes and final parts that can be rapidly tested and implemented. This approach ensures component availability in exceptionally short lead times at relatively low costs.
Prototyping with 3D printing technology is a perfect solution for both R&D departments and maintenance teams. It allows for testing new parts before full-scale production, reducing the risk of errors and accelerating the implementation of new solutions – ultimately helping the maintenance department effectively support the company’s operations.
3D Printing – choosing the right technology
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) – precise sintering of polyamide powders, ideal for producing durable industrial components
MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) – advanced sintering technology for strong mechanical parts
SLA (Stereolithography) – resin-based printing for high precision and smooth surfaces
PJ (PolyJet) – multi-material and multi-color printing for highly detailed components
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) – the most commonly used method for plastic prototyping and part production (housings, brackets, covers)
DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) – metal powder sintering for high-strength metal components
3D spare parts production – choosing the right material
Selecting the appropriate material and 3D printing technology is crucial, as it directly impacts the final performance of the printed part. The material must be perfectly suited to the conditions in which the component will operate.
| MATERIAL | TECHNOLOGY | PROPERTIES | APPLICATIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon (PA12) | FDM, SLS, MJF | sturdy, flexible, abrasion – resistant | gears, hinges, technical parts |
| Nylon (PA11) | FDM, SLS, MJF | high impact strength, resistant to bending | tools, gauges, spare parts |
| TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | FDM, MJF | flexible, impact and wear-resistant | seals, shock-absorbing elements, flexible grips |
| PLA (Polylactic Acid) | FDM | biodegradable, easy to print, moderate strength | prototypes, concept models, decorations |
| ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) | FDM | strong, temperature -resistant, prone to warping | housings, mechanical parts, automotive components |
| PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) | FDM | high chemical resistance, flexible, good layer adhesion | containers, food-contact elements, industrial prototypes |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | FDM | high strength, temperature-resistant, difficult to print | shields, technical components, electronics |
| PP (Polypropylene) | FDM, SLS | flexible, chemically resistant, lightweight | containers, hinges, chemical-resistant parts |
| Photopolymer resins | SLA | high precision, smooth surface, brittle | dental, jewelry, precision prototypes |
| PA+CF (Nylon with Carbon Fiber) | FDM, SLS | stiff, lightweight, high-strength | aerospace, automotive, mechanical components |
| PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) | FDM | extreme mechanical and chemical resistance | aerospace, medical, high-temperature parts |
| Aluminum (AlSi10Mg), Stainless Steel (316L, 17-4 PH), Titanium (Ti6Al4V) | DMLS | lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant, high-temperature applications | automotive, aerospace, industrial components |
The future of 3D printing in maintenance
The maintenance department is a critical part of industrial operations, ensuring production continuity. Industrial 3D printing is becoming an invaluable tool for maintaining machine uptime by enabling fast, on-demand spare part production. This technology reduces costs, provides high material and technological flexibility, and shortens production times.
We can help select the right solutions for your company
