3D printing – the right methodology for future
3D printing – the right methodology for future
At a glance
Focus: D printing the right methodology for future.
Challenge: Responsiveness is a key feature in today’s digital era.
Approach: Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is on the verge of being widely adopted in industrial manufacturing.
Impact: Greater range of shapes and designs are possible with the implementation of 3D printing
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd
Mahindra Group's parent company, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., is a dominant player in the Tractor and Automobile industry. It is both an operating company (Automotive and Farm Equipment businesses) and a holding company of all its investments in subsidiary and associate companies. M&M Ltd. is among the market leaders in the Indian SUV/ MUV segment and the world’s largest tractor company by volumes. Mahindra is truly a global company with its global neural network of R&D and manufacturing facilities as well as on ground channel network. Committed to ethical values, sustainable business practices, towards driving positive change, M&M creates value by judiciously and intelligently leveraging the multiple types of capital – not just Financial Capital, but also Manufactured Capital, Intellectual Capital, Human Capital, Social & Relationship Capital and Natural Capital.
Business challenge
Responsiveness is a key feature in today’s digital world. Rapid prototyping is a faster solution for design changes on production line. 3D printing is an emerging technology that provides speed and agility benefits for the development of components.
A major challenge that is faced for implementing 3D technology is lack of in-house expertise and thus training is needed for current workforce to reduce the knowledge gap.
Additive Manufacturing can radically simplify the production of complex parts, while simultaneously improving functional performance, reducing part weight and minimizing component counts. As the cost of 3D printing technology declines, it is easy to imagine that production may become extremely local and customized. 3D printer helps in performing self-managed flexible manufacturing.
Industry 4.0 solution
Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is on the verge of being widely adopted in industrial manufacturing. Automotive manufacturers have started using AM to produce tools and components. In our facility we are using 3D printers for plastic material, primarily polylactic acid. These are extensively used for prototyping, experimentation and spare parts. The main benefit that we are getting is in reduction of time and cost associated with product development.
Key benefits
| Area | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Cost Savings | Greater range of shapes and designs are possible with the implementation of 3D printers. It is much more cost-effective than traditional methods. For low volumes of manufacturing, 3D printing provides an economical option which can be individually tailored to meet requirements. Although a mold may still take a couple of days to print – for more complex designs at least – this is an extremely rapid process in comparison to other methods. |
| Time & Speed | 20% Lead Time reduction for proto and Experimental part |