Feature

Additive manufacturing meets Industry 4.0: igus makes 3D-printed Tribo components smart

3D-printed wear-resistant parts from igus often offer the same service life as original parts. Now, igus goes one step further and makes the printed components intelligent.

10/05/2021 13:07:24

Manufactured using 3D printing, the parts warn of overload and report their maintenance needs. The special feature: the sensors are printed directly into the component. This means that short delivery times and low cost are complemented by Industry 4.0 options.

Additive manufacturing and Industry 4.0 – two themes that are changing the industry in a sustainable way. igus engineers have now succeeded in combining the two in a single production step: sensor technology is printed into the tribo component by multi-material printing for the first time.

"With the smart 3D-printed bearing, we have made a real breakthrough," says Dean Aylott, who is responsible for 3D printing at igus UK. "This allows for predictive maintenance to be added to special parts, while keeping costs very low."

Well before the failure, the intelligent 3D-printed part reports that replacement is imminent. In addition, it can detect overload to stop the application immediately and, thus, prevent further damage to the machine or the entire plant...

Read the full article in the May issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.