50% saving due to 3D printed cross-threaded shaft
- What was needed: A cross-threaded spindle that was easy to procure and cost-effective with good sliding properties
- Manufacturing method: Laser sintering with SLS powder
- Requirements: Good sliding properties, fast and cost-effective individual part manufacture
- Material: iglidur® i3
- Industry: textile sector
- Success through collaboration: 50% savings thanks to additive manufacturing and better sliding properties
3D printing service for wear-resistant replacement parts
Problem
For a winding machine, Conti Tech Schlauch GmbH needed a cross-threaded spindle that ensures that the thread is laid directly or by means of thread guidance through the groove. The solution previously used necessitated the regular replacement of individual components, which were difficult to obtain and were also cost-intensive due to the complicated geometry of the cross-threaded spindle.Solution
The igus 3D printing service offered an alternative that was quick and economically efficient, even for individual components: the cross-threaded spindle is now made of iglidur I3 and produced by means of additive manufacturing. The company has been able to reduce its costs by around 50 per cent, as the classic method of manufacturing the complex geometry of the cross-threaded spindle was more expensive by a factor of 2. The sliding properties of the replacement parts were also improved due to the use of iglidur.
iglidur I3 is a laser sintering polymer and the most frequently used material in additive manufacturing at igus. It has an excellent coefficient of wear and is also very strong. The iglidur I3 SLS powder contains solid lubricants, as a result of which additional lubrication is not needed for the printed components.
The manufacture of replacement parts, single parts and series made of iglidur I3 takes place within one to three days and is possible from a batch size of 1 without any surcharge. Ordering is quick and uncomplicated via the online 3D printing service, whereby prices and delivery time can be determined immediately and without previous registration.
The manufacture of replacement parts, single parts and series made of iglidur I3 takes place within one to three days and is possible from a batch size of 1 without any surcharge. Ordering is quick and uncomplicated via the online 3D printing service, whereby prices and delivery time can be determined immediately and without previous registration.
Further information on iglidur I3
Other applications with wear-resistant 3D printing materials
Printed in 3D: maintenance-free gripper for the packaging industry
Fast availability at a low price and use under hygienic conditions were important prerequisites for this 3D printed gripper. It is used to package cosmetic products and has the special advantage of working without additional lubrication, hence fulfilling hygienic requirements.
Individual 3D printed gripper
Media-resistant sliding plates for water mowing machines
Mass Portal, a company from Riga, was looking for a solution to reduce the maintenance costs of floating mowing machines. Because the machines are constantly used in wet environments with a great deal of dirt and sand, the metallic sliders that have been used so far wear quickly and must be replaced up to three times each season. 3D printed sliders made of iglidur ensure the necessary robustness and lubrication-free operation, even in wet environments and when the bow cutters are used intensively.
Wear-resistant 3D printed sliding plates for mowing machines
Further applications with wear-resistant 3D printing polymers
3D printed components are used for prototypes, replacement parts and series in a wide variety of industries. From grand pianos to vehicles to aerospace applications – there is something for everyone. In addition to individual dimensions and special shapes for components such as gears, plain bearings and grippers, components made of iglidur materials are constructed and used for numerous individual applications.
Application examples for 3D printing with wear-resistant polymers
