Röchling has opened its Direct Manufacturing Centre (RDMC) in Waldachtal.
Complex components and series made of plastic or metal are produced using 3D printing on the 500 square-metre site.
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“We are delighted with the RDMC, we now have a place where the entire expertise in the area of additive manufacturing from our three divisions is bundled and continuously enhanced,” said Röchling Group president & CEO, Hanns-Peter Knaebel.
The RDMC is equipped with all commonly used printing technologies for additive series production.
“Despite the current protective measures implemented in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, we completed the construction project on time, thanks to the outstanding commitment of the teams at our location in Waldachtal,” added MD, Jens Harmeling.
The Industrial division produces a component known as a trailing edge serration, which helps to reduce the noise of wind turbines; the latest development stage of this is now being manufactured additively. Prototypes for a new active grille shutter model are being produced for the Automotive division, and the RDMC is printing cores for injection moulding tools with conformal cooling for the production of a tracheal tube (wind-pipe tube) for the Medical division.
Additive manufacturing can be tailored to individual requirements. During the current coronavirus pandemic, the RDMC is producing an attachment for door handles that allows doors to be opened and closed using the forearm; this is intended for the Röchling locations in order to prevent the virus from spreading within the company.
A prototype of a face mask with a visor has also been printed and is now being produced by Röchling Medical.
