Over the next couple of years, passenger traffic will grow exponentially, forcing airlines to order thousands of new aircraft.

Major investments will be made primarily in innovating interiors. The solutions will not only offer passengers a positive flight experience but will also meet construction standards in terms of sturdiness, cost-effectiveness and reduced weight.

Interiors: the main areas of development

Redesigning interiors will lead to the creation of new modules for cabins, seating, onboard kitchens and bathrooms. The innovations will also include the air conditioning, electric, electronic cabin management, drinking water and waste systems.

Another interesting area of development is the in-flight entertainment and connectivity market. This sector includes software and design aimed at entertaining passengers as they travel.

The dawn of a new age

Unlike other sectors, such as the consumer electronics market, whose regulations are less stringent, the aerospace industry is rather conservative. However, we are at the dawn of a new age which is witnessing widespread implementation of innovative technologies.

According to Airbus, amongst others, 3D printing will have a revolutionary effect on the sector. So, it is no surprise to learn that the company has introduced more than 2,700 3D-printed plastic parts in its A350 XWB.

3D printing with FDM technology

FDM technology is a 3D printing process. Thermoplastic material is heated and goes from a solid to a semi-liquid state, enabling adjacent layers to be welded together. The FDM technology used by Spring S.r.l gives a significant reduction in time, weight and costs compared to producing the same parts using more conventional methods. Furthermore, 3D printing can produce highly complex geometries. This technology opens up a new world of possibilities, meaning engineers can completely rethink every single object. These important benefits have caught the attention of the aerospace industry.

Spring S.r.l: the number one partner for the aerospace industry

Companies can benefit from the wealth of knowledge, know-how and expertise Spring S.r.l has built up in over 20 years in the additive manufacturing business. The level of excellence achieved by Spring in manufacturing parts for the aerospace industry has led to the company being awarded AS9100:2016 certification, designed to meet the strict requirements of the sector.

Choosing the experience of Spring gives companies the edge over their competitors, allowing them to place innovative products with high added value on the market.

Images taken from: https://www.aircraftinteriorsinternational.com/features/the-top-24-aircraft-innovations-to-watch-in-2019.html

Nowadays, automotive field is facing many challenges. R&D teams job is key to achieve high quality and design levels. To gain a strong  foothold in this global market, automakers are working with additive manufacturing companies. This partnership enables carmakers, among others, to increase production speed and to use new high-performance materials. In this article we are going to talk about some innovative materials for your field. Firstly, we want to introduce you a new material, FDM technology Pekk (Antero800NA). This is a  high-performance thermoplastic that withstands to chemical agents and high temperature (up to 150° without any change). These are some of the reasons why this material is useful for end-use applications and functional tests, especially when it comes to components exposed to hydrocarbons. Pekk can be used for applications under the bonnet, for parts placed in engine compartments, to produce brake cooling ducts, electrical conductors, housing and more.

To meet automakers needs, another key thermoplastic is Nylon 12 CF. FDM Nylon 12CF is a carbon-filled thermoplastic with excellent technical features and for that reason is suitable for metal replacement. The material is comprised of a blend of Nylon 12 resin and chopped carbon fiber, at a loading of 35% by weight. This combination produces one of the strongest thermoplastics in the FDM material portfolio. Carmakers are using  it for functional test, test drive, and for end-use applications.

The most suitable material for fit and assembly tests is ASA: a thermoplastic material that combines mechanical strength and UV stability with the best aesthetic finishing that FDM technology has to offer. These are some of the thermoplastics suitable for automotive field. To find out how additive manufacturing can increase your company performance, please click here.

High level of quality

Spring srl works with the largest and most famous companies in automotive field, providing a full and high quality service, for functional and aesthetic components in Additive manufacturing. High quality standards are confirmed by the certifications ISO 9001:2015 and AS 9100:2018. To have a look at these, please click here.

Customization is a very interesting trade opportunity for automotive companies. Indeed, consumers choose ever more the car as a means of expressing themselves. To meet these needs, the best solution is to rely on a highly-skilled 3D-printing company.

Daihatsu case study

Daihatsu Motor Company is a carmaker based in Osaka, Japan. In this case, the company wanted more customer’s participation in the design process, the service made available by 3D-printing experts to designers, engineers and technicians of the Daihatsu Company has been the key to reach this goal. The outcome of this extraordinary work has been a custom proposal composed of 15 pieces of different patterns, each one is available in 10 colors.

Customized parts for end-use applications thanks to additive manufacturing

These patterns, inspired by fashion, geometric and natural shapes, enable the manufacturer to make a custom proposal never seen before in automotive field. These 15 custom possibilities, called “Effect Skins”, are now available for clients that can choose which one can be applied on car bumpers. For this project, the material suggested by 3D-printing experts is ASA, a thermoplastic that combines mechanical strength, an extraordinary UV stability and a high-quality aesthetic finishing. Thanks to 3D-printing experts it is possible to realize not only prototypes for functional tests and for aesthetic assessments, but also end-use parts, engineered to withstand real-world conditions on car exterior. The result achieved by Daihatsu Motor Company is a higher customer satisfaction.

Working together for the highest level of quality

The key to achieve the best results with 3D printing is to work with one of the most skilled additive manufacturing company at an international level. Spring srl has over 20 years of experience with additive manufacturing and works with the largest automotive companies in the world. For an expert advice on your project and for understanding how you can take more benefits from additive skills click here.

3D printing or additive manufacturing is a production process based on deposition of material layers to make three-dimensional objects.

This process is different from a more traditional one in which objects are produced by material removal from a starting block. Additive manufacturing is not suitable for mass production, indeed, 3D-printing is very competitive when it comes to produce prototypes in small batches or singles pieces for aesthetic and functional assessments or for making  end-use parts.

A 3D-printing company or an additive manufacturing company is a production center that is specialised on this manufacturing process.

There are different 3D-printing technologies, classified according to layers printing process, and among these the most spread is FDM (Fused Deposition modeling) technology.

Some of the main benefits coming from a partnership with a 3D-printing company are:

• Design freedom: 3D-printing experts are able to produce any kind of geometry also the most complex one.
• More lightness : The FDM-technology materials are thermoplastics that can reduce the product weight, especially when it comes to metal replacement.

Further benefits come from FDM-technology materials, to find out more click here!

3D printing: useful applications for automotive field

3D-printing experts can provide you with:

• Pre-series molds: Design is key for automakers. Companies need many iterations of design (from 50 to 200 prototypes) before finding the perfect one. For example, let’s think about matrices, our experts can help you to test the best ones, saving time and costs.
• Customization: More and more customers choose a car as a means of expressing themselves. Our skilled experts can produce for your company custom parts for car interiors and exteriors: custom panels, compartments, dashboards, GPS, satellite navigation systems and more.
• Components for tests: Thanks to additive manufacturing services, automakers can do different kinds of tests, such as, for example functional tests: tests drive, engine tests, fit and form testing and more.

Spring srl: the best partner for your company

We work with the largest company in the world to provide the best 3D-printing solutions. To find out how your company can benefit from additive manufacturing please click here!

Prototypes are key for companies when it comes to design and realize new products. A company specialized in additive manufacturing optimizes production process, drastically reduces the Time to Market and provides the best mockups, samplings and short batches.

Spring srl owns a new Polyjet 3D printer that opens up new horizons for prototyping: so let us show you how this new machinery works, what its benefits are, its application fields and materials.

How does the Polyjet technology work?

Polyjet is a 3D printing technology with which it is possible to realize multi-color, multi-material prototypes and equipment. More than 360.000 colors are available with this machinery and it is also possible to print with realistic textures.

A 3D Polyjet technology uses a printing process similar to that in the 2D printer. However, a 3D Polyjet printer doesn’t work with ink drops but it deposits on a tray liquid-photopolymer layers and then it dries them with UV rays.

To realize a 3D model the printer deposits layers one by one. As the drying  process is finished, models are ready to be used.

What are the main application fields of the Polyjet technology?

The Polyjet benefits are the highest print quality and accuracy, a wide range of materials and the possibility to print with realistic textures. This printer enables to realize smooth surfaces and very thin walls.

Below you can find the main application fields of the Polyjet technology:

• Highly realistic and multi-material prototypes. No more limits for designers that can work with very realistic prototypes, thanks to the possibility of mixing more materials in the same 3D model, realizing  transparent components and combining more than 360.000 colors.  Designers and developers can get prototypes and realistic models with multi-color elements, labels, realistic textures in a single operation, before sending them to mass production.

• Aesthetic components with precise and smooth surfaces. 0,032 mm layers enable to realize prototypes and aesthetic parts with very smooth surfaces.  The level of detail is around 0.1-0.3 mm and it also depends on the geometry, on the size and the object orientation.
• Master molds for overmolding. With J750 it is possible to realize, in low-volume, technical- rubber matrices for overmolding. The polyjet process is faster and less expensive  than more traditional methods that produce metal master molds.

• Components for medical industry and dental labs. Multi-color and flexible materials enable to realize realistic anatomical models. These models are used in doctor training and surgery prep, cutting costs of surgery room and improving patient care solutions.

What are the materials of the Polyjet technology?

• Vero family. The vero family materials are ideal for fit and form testing, for moving and assembled parts, concept and exhibition models. Unleash your creativity, we will provide you with the brighter colors.
• Simulated Polypropylene. These materials simulate the appearance and functionality of polypropylene. These materials are ideal for prototyping containers and packaging, flexible snap-fit applications and living hinges, toys, battery cases, laboratory equipment, loudspeakers and automotive components.
• Rubber-like. It offers various level of elastomer characteristics. It combines rigid materials for a variety of shore A values, from Shore A 27 to shore A 95. It is ideal for rubber surrounds and overmolding, soft-touch coatings and nonslip surfaces, knobs, grips, pulls, handles, gaskets, seals, hoses, footwear, and exhibition and communication models.
• Digital ABS. These materials simulate ABS plastics by combining strength with high temperature resistance. Ideal for functional prototypes, snap-fit parts for high or low temperature usage, electrical parts, castings, mobile telephone casings and engine parts and covers.
• High temperature : The only material with extraordinary thermal characteristics is RG525. Ideal for form, fit and thermal functional testing, high-definition models requiring excellent surface quality, exhibition models that endure strong lighting conditions, taps, pipes and household appliances, hot air and hot water testing.

To read:

Highly realistic prototypes make for better, faster design: Adidas Case Study

Spring srl enhances its production site with the new J750!

Fabio Gualdo, chairman of Spring srl, shares his first impression on ANTERO 800NA.

“What are the major features of ANTERO 800NA and why is it a high-performance material?”

Among all FDM (Fused Deposition modeling) materials, Antero 800NA is one of the top-performing thermoplastic.  All its technical features, speak for themselves. As an example, let’s think of its high chemical resistance, indeed, it withstands to hydrocarbons, acids and corrosive substances. And not only has an excellent wear resistance but also withstands to extreme pressures and to strong impacts. Last but not least, it has an extraordinary resistance to high temperatures.

“What sectors will benefit the most from ANTERO 800NA?”

The aeronautic and aerospace industries, for sure. Aircraft manufacturers are using this material as a metal-replacement. And new application horizons are ,for example: the oil and gas sector, the automotive, the top-of-the-line industrial production and the use of ANTERO 800NA in the realization of tooling and functional prototypes.

“Why is it important to choose Spring Srl to produce components in Antero 800NA?”

We strongly believe in this material, that’s why we are the first 3D printing service in Europe to make it available. Spring srl is the best choice, as we provide to our partners a high level of technical expertise, thanks to 20 years of experience in the field. Companies contact us, the technical staff analyses their projects and offers them the fastest a more performing solution for reaching their goals.

Click here to contact our technical team!

To find out more:

PEKK (ANTERO 800NA) is now available!

PEKK (Antero 800NA): 3D printing opens up new horizons

Pekk (Antero 800NA) is the new material of additive manufacturing.  Let’s take a look to its benefits:

• High chemical resistance

Pekk (Antero 800NA) is the most performing material of the FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology, especially when it comes to chemical resistance. Indeed, Peek is the best choice not only for the aircraft industry but also for the Oil&Gas sector.  Moreover, this material has passed the military standard test MIL-STD-810G for chemical compatibility.

• High temperature resistance

Pekk (Antero 800NA) has also an extraordinary resistance to high temperature, indeed, it withstands up to 150°C without any change to its characteristics. This exciting  feature has been designed for applications out of the cab or in engine compartments.

• Customization and just-in-time production

Additionally, thanks to this new material is possible to realize customized and on-demand printing solutions. And as a result, companies can take advantage from storage cost savings and hence from a higher profitability.

• No geometric limits – No material waste

Thanks to 3D printing  is possible to realize a never-before seen design. With traditional technology, manufacturers bought  Pekk as a semifinished (only available in limited shapes and sizes) and was processed by machines in clear and solid shapes. With traditional technology a big amount of material was wasted. Instead, with additive manufacturing not only is possible to realize complex shapes but also to cut waste.

Spring s.r.l as your partner

We provide you with the best 3D printing service to realize prototypes and functional parts in Pekk (Antero 800NA) thanks to our high level of technical expertise.

To download the material data sheet, click here!

For further information please click here!

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Design is a core point for companies working in the consumer goods industry. And in the creative phase many models are built and tested , before putting a new product on the market. The success of this placement will largely depend on timing , ergonomics and look and feel of the product.

However, design process can be slow, inaccurate and companies can’t take these risks. That’s why manufacturers like Adidas are working with the additive skills to get top level prototypes in short time.

These new competencies empower Adidas designers to constantly refine its sports shoes. All sorts of design changes are reliable and efficient, thanks to 3D printed prototypes and model test.

Bigger benefits for companies come from additive skills rather than from traditional technology such as hand processing or peculiar tooling.

Especially, thanks to J750 experts, Adidas is getting :

• High level of conformity: No more gap between the designer’s idea and the prototype. The 3D shoes drawing looks exactly like the 3D printed model in colors, shapes and textures.
• Creativity freedom: This new printer is pushing the current boundaries of trial and production, indeed, now it is increasingly possible to get a multi-material model with complex geometries.
• Incredible realism: The prototypes details are so great that the model seems ready to be worn.

No competition without quality

Large companies working in the consumer goods industry are moving forward on the global market also thanks to a strategic partner skilled in the production of prototypes with the new J750.

Spring srl is one of the top players in Additive manufacturing at an European level and is increasingly  making new alliances with the largest national and international companies, working in these high quality industries.

Please click here to contact our experts.