The 2nd Munich Additive Manufacturing Technology Conference (MTC2) is held this week, and industry experts from around the world will discuss the industrialization of 3D printing.
On October 9, 2018, before MTC2, the 3D printing industry reporter interviewed Dr. Christian Haecker, Oerlikon's head of additive manufacturing industrialization.
Dr. Christian Haecker, Oerlikon Additive Manufacturing Industrialization Leader. Photo from Oerlikon.
3D Printing Industry: MTC2 focuses on the industrialization of additive manufacturing; what are the challenges facing industrialized additive manufacturing, especially in Europe?
Dr. Oerlikon Haercker: The industrialization of AM does not happen automatically. Therefore, in order to implement AM and take full advantage of its advantages, from purchase to design needs to be rethought at all levels. What we need is a multi-level model transformation. In addition, we need an open atmosphere to exchange knowledge and accept that the adaptation of technology does not happen overnight. Only then will we be able to make procedural decisions and develop common standards.
The main challenges facing industrialization include the integration of AM in existing value chains and the establishment of new AM value chains, global intellectual property (IP) and knowledge sharing issues, and the political globalization that is currently pushing us out of the woods. In addition, compared to past global procurement trends, AM will also bring more local or regional procurement, which is a mode change to some extent. Therefore, the joint efforts of EU and national institutions and industry need to train the necessary AM experts and establish recognized technical standards.
3D Printing Industry: How do you define the industrialization of additive manufacturing?
Dr. Oerlikon Haecker: The industrialization of AM technology requires two mainstreams: one focuses on process stability, repeatability and comparability. Material properties need to be the same as existing materials without the necessary testing of each case. At the same time, we must introduce target costing. The other focuses on AM design.
AM cannot compete through pure substitution. Only when we do additive design can we unlock the full potential and reduce costs. Both mainstreams must happen together.
3D Printing Industry: What areas have successfully adopted additive manufacturing? Hardware, software, supply chain solutions.
Dr. Oerlikon Haecker: Looking back at the development of AM solutions in various fields, we can see how much progress has been made in hardware and software solutions, which is surprising. However, in the value chain, we can focus more clearly on the perspectives of customers and end users. The industry is more focused on solving customer issues than on pure technology development showcases. In addition, the entire industry is getting closer, more collaborative than ever, and using platforms like MTC to bring manufacturers, scientists, and governments together to discuss how to accelerate the industrialization of AM.
The medical sector is a leading and mature user of this technology because biocompatibility, customization, complex lattice shapes are required, and the ability to accept current AM costs, aerospace and defense are now following applications. For cars, we can see a clear AM adoption trend, especially in plastics, and the future will be metal.
Metal 3D printed components. Photo from Oerlikon
3D Printing Industry: Are there any recurring trends for manufacturers trying to expand additive manufacturing technology?
Dr. Oerlikon Haercker: We see the greatest potential in all areas of AM, from hardware to software. We consider our position to be a middleman, and only this overall perspective allows us to choose the best hardware / software. A positive trend is the first step towards a goal for hardware manufacturers. We are a long way from other industries and manufacturing technologies, but the trend is clear.
The expansion and automation of production is a stream often cited by hardware manufacturers. However, we see a clear focus on the cost structure of production technology and the high up-front investment costs associated with rapid technology development cycles. Here, the supply chain and technology partners need to work together in order to quickly reduce high economic risks and accelerate AM adaptation.
3D Printing Industry: Who do you think is the main driver of additive manufacturing technology in the European market? why?
Dr. Oerlikon Haercker: Additive manufacturing is driven by two types of people: one with the vision and endurance to push AM to new limits, and the other with the potential to integrate AM into current product development. Each country has established an innovation cluster for AM, bringing together all the elements of the value chain.
Europe has a strong position because most large powder bed fusion machine manufacturers are here (mainly in Germany and the UK). They are currently "advancing" the technology in a number of ways. However, the speed of adoption in the world is very fast, and they are applying technology to the front line.
Oerlikon's Surface Solutions division is used in jet engines. Photo from Oerlikon Group.
3D Printing Industry: What do you think is an effective way to accelerate the industrialization of additive manufacturing?
Dr. Oerlikon Haercker: Two or three common and recognized goals of the industry will help focus on industrialization. This does not mean ignoring the rest, but currently the industry is working on so many goals and has different priorities. In addition, higher levels of cooperation can help accelerate the process of industrialization. The expansion of the market has mitigated the risks of minor differentiation and intellectual property protection. We believe that pie may be planted faster than we can argue its share.
On the academic side of the EU, we must bundle efforts and build stronger networks. We have good research institutions and new research institutions, but we should ensure strong cooperation within the alliance and become a positive signal against protectionism. Another but very critical aspect is the constant investment in technology. Since we are still in the industrialization stage, higher research and development work is required compared to existing technologies. Here, strong senior management and shareholder communication are needed.