The most remarkable aspect of this new product is that the components that give the bearing such an incredible capacity increase, the patent pending Rollertrain bearing cages, are 3D printed and manufactured by Bowman Additive Production. Craig Clydesdale evaluates the inevitable rise of 3D printing (3DP) as a production process and takes an in-depth look at Bowman AP’s latest innovation.
The next industrial revolution?
There has long been a perception in industry that 3DP is only suitable for prototyping and “one-offs”. A misplaced sense that 3DP is too expensive and materials are not durable enough have contributed to an overall feeling that it just isn’t up to the task of being used for manufacturing. However, over the last few years, as material selections, manufacture speeds and part repeatability have improved, the industries’ focus has been pivoting towards additive manufacturing (3DP) at an increasing rate.
Read the full article in the November issue of DPA