voxeljet Partnership Advances Additive Manufacturing

voxeljet has entered a collaboration with Altair, Click2Cast, HBM nCode to produce a new design and manufacturing process that combines 3D printing for mold making with simulation.

Using multiple applications from the various companies, the initiative was able to create a more durable, lightweight design for a high-performance casting.

“When it comes to speed and capabilities for serial production you might want to look at this process,” said Kevin Smith, director, Global Applications, voxeljet. “It marks the ‘rebirth’ of one of the oldest manufacturing process available – casting! The new process includes moulds made with 3D printing, an entirely new approach to mould making. By using the voxeljet 3D printing process, mould making is dramatically faster and the design freedom this process offers is great. 3D printing the patterns and moulds, is potentially the only way we can achieve this level of cast complexity. The results we have received is very promising: the component is now 3-5 times stiffer (depending on the load case) than the original design without having to add weight. Another great advantage of this approach is, that the manufacturing process is already well established, certified in various industries and is suitable for mass production.”

For more information, visit voxeljet.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.