Fast and cost-effective

Just a few years ago, 3D printing was primarily used for prototype construction. This has since changed. Thanks to the use of increasingly improved printers and materials, this technology is now producing functional components. It has now even established itself as a cost-effective alternative for small-batch production. The drive experts at Groschopp AG Drives & More are also leveraging the advantages of 3D printing.

Groschopp's motors, transmissions, and controllers, as well as all drive components and parts, are designed and manufactured at the Viersen site. The Research & Development department is the foundation for the creation of innovative and successful drive concepts. The products are continuously tested and further developed in the in-house laboratory and prototype shop.

The company uses 3D printing for the production of prototypes and samples – but also for the production of series components for its motors and transmissions, as well as assembly fixtures. As early as 2012, Groschopp was using an FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printer for the robust, temperature-resistant plastic ABS. Today, the manufacturer has a modern MSLA (Masked Stereolithography Apparatus) printer – a resin 3D printer that projects UV light through an LCD mask to cure liquid synthetic resin layer by layer. This enables the drive specialists to print parts with different materials and properties.

"A major advantage of this technology is its rapid availability," explains Alexander Klupp, Head of Design at Groschopp. "Development projects can be completed more quickly, and customers can be supplied with samples more quickly – the same applies to small series where manufacturing a tool would not be cost-effective."

What role will 3D printing play in the future?

"In the future, 3D-printed products will increasingly replace conventionally manufactured parts, although not completely displace them," says Klupp. "Both the printers and the required materials have become cheaper, meaning 3D-printed parts can now be manufactured cost-effectively." Another advantage is that they allow for greater design flexibility than conventional manufacturing. Even complex components can be produced quickly, easily, and with minimal material using 3D printing – without compromising functionality. This is particularly advantageous in both prototype construction and small-batch production. Furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced, which in turn lowers manufacturing and assembly costs.