From Vision to Viability: ParaStruct Explores Flexible, Digital Production

Technology Being Tested

Asset Administration Shell & Modular Production Solutions
ParaStruct tested SmartFactory-KL’s digital frameworks, particularly asset administration shell technologies and modular production concepts. The aim was to assess their applicability in improving flexibility, traceability, and responsiveness in 3D printing with recyclable materials.

Use case in a Nutshell

ParaStruct, the early adopter a 3D printing company focused on sustainable materials, engaged in the DIMOFAC programme to explore smart manufacturing technologies that would enable greater responsiveness to client needs and reduce production costs. Collaborating with SmartFactory-KL the tech provider, they assessed the feasibility of applying advanced modular systems to real-world additive manufacturing. Despite early-stage implementation and resource constraints, the results were promising, revealing strong potential for increased competitiveness and reduced labor demands.

About the collaboration partners

Smart Factory KL stands as a pioneering initiative within the industrial landscape, embodying the forefront of technological advancement and innovation in manufacturing. Rooted in the heart of Germany, Smart Factory KL serves as a beacon of exploration and discovery in the realm of future production industries.

Parastruct, a company specializing in 3D printing with recyclable materials, explored DIMOFAC’s smart manufacturing technologies to enhance flexibility and efficiency.

Description of the Collaboration

Problem Addressed

ParaStruct needed to increase operational flexibility, respond quickly to customized orders, and reduce manual effort in its additive manufacturing processes.

Solution

SmartFactory-KL introduced asset administration shell technologies and guided ParaStruct in exploring modular production systems aligned with Smart Factory principles.

Execution

ParaStruct applied independently via F6S and collaborated closely with SmartFactory-KL to assess integration points and technology suitability.

The team worked together to define parameters and evaluate the impact of the tools on digital traceability and batch-size-one production.

Host Role (SmartFactory-KL)

Provided tailored consultancy and technical insights; facilitated conceptual testing of digital tools.

Beneficiary Role (ParaStruct)

Evaluated the benefits of smart production approaches and offered operational feedback for improvement

Results of the Colaborration

60% Anticipated Labor Cost Reduction

The digital solutions are expected to streamline workflows and reduce manual intervention.

50% Expected Quality Increase

Higher consistency in production and process control.

Enhanced Flexibility

Enabled economic viability for batch-size-one manufacturing and fast response to customer needs.

Strategic Perspective

ParaStruct now plans to pursue funding for deeper integration and further development of Smart Factory-aligned processes.

Testimonials

Our experience with Nuene technologies at DIMOFAC and Smart Factory KL was invaluable and greatly beneficial to our operations

ParaStruct Team

The precise understanding of the company’s situation was crucial. The exchange was constructive, indicating a promising direction.

Manuel Reif

Team Lead & Researcher, SmartFactory-KL

Project info:

The use case DIMOFAC project which received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 870092, aiming to help factories implement a smart factory architecture that will allow them to be more reactive to a personalised demand and changing market dynamics.

Do you want to create a use case for your technology or test this technology in your processes?