How can metal additive manufacturing improve existing production processes?

Krüger Fertigungstechnologie is a German company that recently invested in a metal additive manufacturing solution from GF Machining Solutions, an expert in Laser Powder Bed Fusion technology. Since 1996, the company specializes in subcontracting manufacturing, focusing mainly on High Speed Cutting (HSC) and milling processes. By investing in additive manufacturing, the company was able to push the boundaries of design further and offer its customers a fast and accurate solution. For example, it designed a 3D printed heat exchanger in a single piece for the nuclear industry. What benefits does Krüger derive on a daily basis from the integration of metal AM, and more specifically, from the workflow offered by GF Machining Solutions? Additionally, how did the company manage to integrate this new production method so quickly?

The Swiss company GF Machining Solutions has developed a strong value chain around additive manufacturing, from design to post-processing and inspection of the final part, enabling its customers to accelerate their production processes. Its DMP Flex 350 machine offers higher yields, more precise quality and the ability to design parts with complex geometries. In particular, it integrates an interchangeable 3D printing module to avoid tedious cleaning when changing materials. It also offers real-time process tracking and traceability that minimizes the risk of errors and associated costs. These are the features that led Krüger to choose this industrial machine.

GF Machining Solutions masters metal additive manufacturing | Photo Credits: GF Machining Solutions

Rapid integration of the DMP Flex 350

The Krüger teams told us that the installation of their new metal machine was done in only one week. Managing Director Friedhelm Krüger explains: “I am impressed with the speed and fluidity with which the GF Machining Solutions team set up metal 3D printing for us. The printer was installed, commissioned and staff trained in just one week. Thanks to the DMP Flex 350, we can offer our customers an even wider range of services“.