Flexible automated solutions for 3D printed sand cores
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE SWECAST - Swerea SWECAST AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 010 000 |
| Project duration | June 2018 - October 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Strategic innovation programme for process industrial IT and automation – PiiA |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of the project was to develop solutions for automation of postprocessing of 3D-printed sand cores and the goal was to achieve the same production speed for 3D printed cores as for conventional production. In the making of two demonstrators, several technical issues have been solved, above all the fundamental aspects of data transfer and compatibility between different systems. Therefore, it is possible to motivate a robot investment already from increased efficiency of the first simple work steps.
Expected results and effects
The results include decision data for investments in a printer and other automation solutions associated w with core manufacturing in the individual foundry. The effect of these results is that Sweden´s foundries will strengthen their position with respect to the international competition both short and long term, since the results will lead to increased productivity. By evaluating the use of vision systems. The project has also generated inspiration of the development in automation and AI solutions, and further cooperation between the participating companies.
Planned approach and implementation
Within two industrial demonstrators, communication solutions between printer, robot, and production systems were developed. Technical solutions were tested for adaption of manual work steps to robot. Preconditions for digitalization of the production flow via traceability was tested and the effect on the business models of the foundries were tested. The project was a cooperation between robot manufacturer, machine supplier, producers of castings, and research institute. The representation of the entire value chain turned out to be a crucial success factor.