Epiroc is introducing a project focusing on the use of 3D printing capabilities for the manufacturing of spare parts on site and on demand.
According to Anders Johansson, product manager at Epiroc, working with 3D printing technologies opens up unlimited possibilities for the company.
Innovation is a value for Epiroc, and the company continuously searches for new solutions.
One promising technology that is gaining momentum is additive manufacturing or a phased build-up of an object using 3D printing and modelling, a method that hasn’t been widely developed for the mining and construction industry.
The 3D printing technology involves the manufacturing of physical samples based on CAD-data or 3D-scanning data. This includes the use of special equipment for layer-by-layer 3D-synthesis and practically no need of further refinement.
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Earlier in 2019, Epiroc started to explore the opportunity to implement additive technologies in the process of manufacturing spare parts, ensuring high standards of quality and accuracy.
“Working with 3D technologies opens up unlimited opportunities for the company to create complex geometric shapes and maintain high quality standards,” Johansson said.
“This technology does not only provide additional opportunities for the creation of complex parts. It also allows companies to transfer digital models around the world in minutes to manufacture spare parts right on the spot where they are needed.”
3D printing to reduce wait times
For those who use Epiroc equipment, wait times for spare parts supply will be noticeably reduced, and consequently, equipment downtime will also decrease.
In addition, the possibility of 3D printing significantly optimizes the process of delivery and storage of Epiroc spare parts, which will lead to increased value for the customers.
“Thanks to the opportunities this will give, we will be able to serve our customers in new ways, and at the same time, reduce environmental impacts throughout the world, which is high on our agenda as a modern global company,” Johansson said.
