P&G Belleville explores how 3D printing can help build customized parts
Staff
Additive ManufacturingProctor & Gamble is partnering with Canada Makes and AMM to explore the benefits of using additive manufacturing at its Belleville, ON facility.
Procter & Gamble Belleville Plant has announced a new partnership with Additive Metal Manufacturing Inc. (AMM) and Canada Makes. This collaboration will explore building new customized parts using additive manufacturing.
“Parts can be very difficult even impossible to make with traditional subtractive machining processes,” said Haixia Jin, P&G Engineering Technical Manager. “Metal 3D printing offers an exciting alternative to commercial off-the-shelf parts that cannot achieve complicated design requirements or internal cavity geometry. Even in cases where commercial customization is available and able, it usually comes with significant additional cost or an unbearable long lead-time.”
As an example, the piece (left) was 3D printed in Stainless Steel and demonstrates how combined purposes deliver fluid to designated locations with the four extended legs while minimizing disturbance to the flow that it merges in. The vast metallurgy choices also provide a wide spectrum of chemical/environmental resistance. This illustrated part was printed in Stainless Steel taking advantage of its good anti-corrosion performance.
“AMM is delighted to be partnering with P&G and Canada Makes in assisting P&G introduce 3D metal printing into their supply chain,” said Norman Holesh, President AMM, who acknowledges that in order to be successful, the technology needs to be embraced early on in the design process.
“This technology is neither an alternative to subtractive manufacturing nor a replacement for it but an addition to the entire manufacturing process and allows for previously unthinkable designs and a dramatic reduction in lead times,” he adds.
AMM works with customers to help them understand and embrace the ever-changing design rules, and take full advantage of design freedom.
“Designing and building complex parts as well as the lead-time saved are two big advantages that AM offers users of the technology. This project certainly was an excellent example offered through Canada Makes’ Metal Additive Demonstration Program,” stated Frank Defalco Manager Canada Makes. “Canada Makes will continue to partner with Canadian companies looking to the advantages offered by having additive manufacturing as a powerful new option in creating parts previously unfeasible.”
The project was funded through Canada Makes’ Metal Additive Demonstration Program.
