These tools, which use artificial intelligence and machine learning, are present in the technology centers of AsDIH’s partners
WHAT IS ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING?
Additive manufacturing is an industrial production process that consists of creating three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer in a controlled manner. To do this, a digital model is used, usually designed in 3D modeling software, which facilitates the precise construction of complex and customized parts.
The first step is to create a digital design, i.e., a 3D model of the object, using CAD software. This model must then be converted to a compatible format and sliced to define the successive layers.
After this initial approach, it is time to start manufacturing. The machine deposits or fuses material layer by layer, following the instructions in the digital file.
Once this is done, each layer is solidified or fused to the previous one using methods that vary depending on the technology employed.
Finally, there may be a last post-processing step, in which an additional process is carried out to improve the physical or aesthetic properties of the selected part.
MAIN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): consists of depositing a filament of molten plastic layer by layer to build the part. It is a very common process used for thermoplastics.
- SLA (Selective Laser Sintering): a laser melts powder particles (plastic, metal, or ceramic) layer by layer to form solid, functional parts.
- EBM (Electron Beam Melting): similar to the previous process, but this one uses an electron beam in a vacuum environment, ideal for high-strength metals, especially in aerospace.
- Binder jetting: a head deposits a liquid binder onto powder to bind the particles together and create the part, which can then undergo a sintering process.
- Material jetting: deposition of drops of material that are cured layer by layer, allowing for precise details and varied colors.
- Sheet lamination: consists of laminating sheets of material that are gathered to create the part.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
- Automotive: production of parts for engines, bodywork, and interior components, reducing weight, improving energy efficiency, and accelerating the development of new models.
- Aerospace: manufacturing of functional parts and injection systems, with topological optimization, which reduces weight and improves functionality, thereby decreasing fuel consumption.
- Healthcare: creation of customized implants, prostheses, and orthopedic devices.
- General industry: production of tools, molds, and components for machinery.
- Architecture and design: creation of complex models and architectural parts, as well as design and art objects.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PUTS TECHNOLOGY IN EVERYONE’S HANDS
- Additive manufacturing democratizes the manufacturing process by being accessible at different levels, from large industries to small businesses. By using affordable devices such as 3D printers, it allows more people to create parts or prototypes without the need for large investments.
- In addition, this technology facilitates customization and on-demand manufacturing. This drives innovation and local production, giving users the ability to quickly bring ideas to life, accelerate product development, and reduce time and costs.
EQUIPMENT
IDONIAL TECHNOLOGY CENTER
- BAAM
- Electric arc additive manufacturing cell
- EOS M270
- EOS M280
- EOS P100
- EOS P395
- 3D bioprinting equipment
- Marktwo equipment
- Kern Evo
- 3D construction printer
- FDM technologies laboratory
- Lithoz Cerafab 8500
- Neotech-AMT 15x G3
- Objet Connex 500
EXPERIENCES
Bioquochem, additive manufacturing to improve measurements in biomedical devices
The project “Additive manufacturing for the improvement of biomedical devices” sought to solve a problem of usability and reliability in a device for measuring antioxidant capacity manufactured by the company Bioquochem.
In collaboration with Idonial Technology Center, one of the ten partners of Asturias Digital Innovation Hub (AsDIH), this biotechnology company applies additive manufacturing to improve the device’s performance.
Bioquochem markets an electrochemical device for measuring antioxidant capacity in samples of interest in different sectors. This sensor is a device similar to a glucometer, consisting of a measuring device and disposable test strips on which the sample to be analyzed must be deposited.
The sample must be deposited manually, unlike a glucometer, where the sample is placed at one end of the glucose strip and, through a capillary channel, is carried to the detection area.
The electrochemical device works well with viscous and dense fluids, but customers have recurring problems when using it because the measurement area is not completely covered or because the sample spreads, compromising accuracy and affecting the electronics.
The solution to this type of issue involves incorporating microfluidic structures on the surface of the strip. The technologies normally used, such as those incorporated into glucose strips, are not an option for Bioquochem because they are costly for mass production, and its sales volume does not allow it to access these technologies.
The project proposes designing, printing, and incorporating a sample-containing ring created using additive manufacturing into the device. The ring is placed around the detection area so that the samples are confined.
At a more advanced stage of the project, the incorporation of microfluidic structures similar to those in glucose strips is being considered so that the samples can be placed at the end and guided to the detection area.
Acuña y Fombona, 3D printing for clinical applications
Acuña y Fombona, in collaboration with our partner Idonial, carried out an experimental project on enabling technologies for 3D printing for clinical applications in implantology and models.
The company, which manufactures medical and dental instruments and supplies, used additive manufacturing and simulation engineering.
Proasur, large-format 3D printing for construction and interior design products
Our social partner Idonial promotes innovation at Proasur through an experimental project applying large-format 3D printing technologies to customized construction and interior design products.
To achieve this, they used artificial intelligence, data architecture, and software, which will enable them to improve their design, technical development, and production projects for cultural, leisure, and promotional projects.
