06 March, 2024In a remarkable demonstration of innovation and cross-sector collaboration, HERVEL, in partnership with the Polytechnic School of Mondragon Unibertsitatea and ADDIMEN, has reached a significant milestone in the field of post-processing of parts manufactured by 3D printing in polyamide 12 (PA 12). This breakthrough has been achieved within the framework of the Konexio project of the Basque Digital Innovation HUB, a collaborative effort that seeks to drive digital transformation in industry.
The research and development team has achieved an improvement in the surface quality of 3D printed parts, achieving a 90% reduction in surface roughness. This achievement not only improves the aesthetics of the parts but also enhances their mechanical properties, opening up new possibilities in industrial applications where surface quality is critical.
To achieve these results, the Vibro Alma 650 was used, complemented with two different configurations of knurling wheels and products. In one case, a mixture of s12 and SAAP cylindrical bevelled 3x5 knurls with Metelene TPR 3% was used, while in the other, Uropol c23 chips with Metelene ZK20A 2% were used. Both processes were carried out under an open system, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of the post-processing method.
This innovation represents a breakthrough in the post-processing of 3D printed parts, the result of close collaboration between industry, academia and technology centres. Through this joint effort, it has been demonstrated how synergy between different sectors can lead to significant advances in advanced manufacturing.
The reduction of surface roughness not only has implications for the additive manufacturing industry, but also sets a precedent for the quality that can be achieved through innovative post-processing processes. This achievement underscores the commitment of HERVEL and its partners to manufacturing excellence and the constant pursuit of improvements that drive the industry's competitiveness globally.
