trendgineering
5 questions for...Michael Helneder
| Julia Reich
The Team Lead Customer Success Additive Manufacturing talks about the beginnings
Additive Manufacturing has now been an integral part of the KraussMaffei world since fall 2022. Michael Helneder, Team Lead Customer Success Additive Manufacturing, has been involved from the very beginning and tells us more about the genesis of Additive Manufacturing at a long-established mechanical engineering company.
Michael Helneder has now been part of the development of the new technology Additive Manufacturing for over 5 years.
AHEAD
Since fall 2022, Additive Manufacturing has now been an integral part of the KraussMaffei world. How did it all begin?
Michael Helneder
In general, 3D printing has become increasingly important in the last few years. We have recognized this great potential for plastics processing and have also noticed that the need for freedom of product design and flexibility in the production is becoming increasingly important. However, there was a lack of systems that could be used for industrial series production. Therefore, we started first investigations into printed spare parts in the industrial environment, brought together our experts from different technologies and analyzed the market opportunities for KraussMaffei in the AM sector. It quickly became clear that Additive Manufacturing has enormous potential in the industrial environment – and an independent department was established at KraussMaffei.
AHEAD
Why does KraussMaffei have such a great potential in the AM sector?
Michael Helneder
We already have a great deal of expert knowledge in the three technologies of Injection Molding, Extrusion and Reaction Process Machinery, as well as in Services and Digital Solutions. Thanks to our industrial experience, we can also offer our customers Additive Manufacturing solutions and for example, realize requirements for the industrial series production. For such specific requirements, we can always draw on the vast know-how of our colleagues in the various areas of industrial plastics processing.
We already have a great expert knowledge in the three technologies of Injection Molding, Extrusion and Reaction Process Machinery, as well as in services and digital solutions. Thanks to our industrial experience, we can also offer our customers Additive Manufacturing solutions and for example, realize requirements for the industrial series production.Michael Helneder
Team Lead Customer Success Additive Manufacturing
AHEAD
What is the difference between Additive Manufacturing and the other technologies of KraussMaffei?
Michael Helneder
Additive Manufacturing offers infinite design possibilities and full flexibility in the production. Individual requirements such as protheses or shoe soles can be printed precisely implemented in printing. But functional components with complex geometries, such as tool making, or larger components, like iron casting, can be printed cost-effectively and precisely at the same time.
AHEAD
That sounds impressive. Are there any other advantages?
Michael Helneder
Industrialized Additive Manufacturing enables tool-less manufacturing, which is why low costs per part are feasible. Imagine: in Injection Molding, one individual mold is used to produce 1.000 identical components. In 3D printing, 1.000 individual components are produced – without a tool. As a result, requirements and applications can be implemented quickly and easily. In addition, Additive Manufacturing enables sustainable production because material loss during printing remains low.
Additive Manufacturing is the perfect complement for the entire lifecycle of a plastic component and can be used together with our other technologies to add valueMichael Helneder
Team Lead Customer Success Additive Manufacturing
AHEAD
With Additive Manufacturing, KraussMaffei now has four strong technologies. When and for whom is which of our technologies worthwhile?
Michael Helneder
This depends strongly on the component requirements and the point in the product lifecycle. Additive Manufacturing is worthwhile, for example, in the production of prototypes, in individual series production and in the production of spare parts. When it comes to classic series production, Injection Molding remains the most profitable solution. We have written a whitepaper on this subject in which we detail the interaction of Additive Manufacturing with Injection Molding. In short, Additive Manufacturing is the perfect complement for the entire lifecycle of a plastic component and can be used together with our other technologies to add value. It is precisely this advantage of having all technologies in one house that we use to offer our customers the suitable and individually best solution for every requirement.
Contact
Michael.Helneder@kraussmaffei.com
