PSI - Issue 59

O.M. Zaika et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 59 (2024) 786–792

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O.M. Zaika et al. / Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

1. Introduction The article discusses using 3D printing at Kromberg & Schubert, a company specializing in producing automo tive wiring for various BMW models. The primary focus is on enhancing technology efficiency and upgrading equipment for 3D printing at a manufacturer. These improvements have not only resulted in better printing quality but have also led to reduced energy consumption during the mass production of parts. The utilization of 3D printing for manufacturing parts offers numerous advantages compared to alternative pro duction methods. One of the primary benefits is the speed of production and the flexibility it provides in the manu facturing processes. 3D printing allows us to rapidly create prototypes and small batches of parts without requiring intricate moulds or tools, facilitating cost-effective design modifications. Furthermore, 3D printing enables the fab rication of intricate geometries and shapes that may be challenging or even impossible to achieve using other meth ods. This makes 3D printing particularly well-suited for crafting unique and customized components. During the 3D printing process within Kromberg & Schubert's facilities, they observed defects in the form of un even material layering along the part's contour, especially in areas where the part contacts the platform when there are fluctuations in ambient temperature. Figure 1 shows 3D holders used for positioning clips on car wiring.

Fig. 1. Clips holders on the KFB board.

Most manufacturing industries have been transformed by the advent of 3D printing technology. Many factors such as time, cost and design work have been affected and changed significantly. With 90% of 3D printing materials being used, waste during the process is minimised compared to traditional manufacturing. 3D printing has become popular thanks to the rapid creation of prototypes and complex structures. The incorporation of computerised soft ware and methods for three-dimensional modelling of objects has simplified the technological processes. 3D printing has been widely used in the automotive sector. Various aspects of 3D printing applications, including materials, printing processes and various other factors, have been researched and published within the automotive industry. The latest research in 3D printing reveals cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches that are shaping the future of the industry. One of the key areas of research is the expansion of material capabilities. Researchers are actively exploring new polymers, metal alloys and composite materials in order to improve the quality of the print and to create objects with enhanced mechanical properties. Another key area is printing speed and accuracy. Some research is known to be focused on developing algorithms and software to improve the accuracy of detail reproduction and reduce printing time. Innovations in this area have the potential to greatly expand the use of 3D printing in manufacturing and medicine. Large format printing is also a major development. Research in this area will open up new possibilities for creat ing large details and objects by developing powerful and efficient large-format printing devices.In the field of mate rials science, research is conducted on the use of biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials. This is an important step towards sustainable 3D printing that takes into account the ecological aspects of production and dis posal.