PCM’s integration of advanced additive manufacturing (AM) technologies
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
By using digital twins to monitor WAAM processes, PCM has been able to improve their existing operations. Thanks to the help offered by MX3D, they can deliver products faster, with optimized production processes that also generate less waste.
Use case in a Nutshell
Through the INTEGRADDE project, PCM (beneficiary) and MX3D (host) successfully collaborated in the integration of advanced additive manufacturing (AM) technologies into production process. This enabled the company to update its manufacturing operations, marking a significant step toward the optimization of industrial production within the EU’s AM sector.
About the collaboration partners
PCM SA is a company specialized in industrial pump solutions and fluid-handling systems. With a strong focus on progressing cavity pump technology, PCM designs and manufactures equipment for the oil & gas, food, and industrial markets, offering innovative solutions for efficient and reliable fluid transfer.
MX3D is a company specialized in 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies. With a focus on innovative activities, MX3D uses robotic 3D printing and metal-based solutions to elaborate intrincate structures and components.
Description of the Collaboration
Problem Addressed
PCM aimed to implement a scalable, reliable additive manufacturing process that could meet industrial demands.
Solution
Development and integration of an in-situ monitoring architecture into Caracol’s WAAM system. The monitoring system provided real-time data acquisition, process visualization, and the creation of a digital twin, to avoid defects and to facilitate process certification.
Execution
Close collaboration between PCM and MX3D teams
Technical discussions and efficient implementation
Successful production of the final part within 3 – 4 months
Host Role (MX3D)
MX3D acted as the technology provider and implementation partner, bringing its expertise in WAAM to support PCM. The team enabled technology validation through the use of a digital twin customised for WAAM operations.
Beneficiary Role (PCM)
PCM, as the industrial end-user, wanted to improve its manufacturing capabilities. PCM successfully modernized its production process by adopting the offerings from MX3D, with significant improvements.
Results of the Collaboration
New business possibilities (aerospace and food)
Reduction of material waste
The implementation of a digital twin provided advanced process visualization
Testimonials
Together, we assessed the benefits and limitations of adopting WAAM for their use case. We also refined the target component design based on WAAM guidelines (developed in the INTEGRADDE project) until the beneficiary produced a design that met both technical and manufacturing requirements.
We wanted to work hand-by-hand with WAAM technology experts and that’s what we gained with MX3D. The technical discussion was very useful and the execution efficient: in 3-4 months we had our piece ready.
Project info:
The use case is part of PCM’s involvement in the Horizon 2020 INTEGRADDE project, Grant Agreement noº 820776, aiming to innovate the field of Additive Manufacturing.
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