Pipelife is the first firm to use automated 3D printing and software to create bespoke flow profiles for drainage systems in manholes and inspection chambers.
Pipelife is set to roll out 3D printing to the entire Group,following a lot of development effort since the first printer was deployed 1.5 years ago.
This will improve the efficiency and precision of the production of polypropylene (PP) flow profiles, providing increased availability and product quality for clients.
Pipelife can effectively boost its availability for its clients’ drainage requirements by using fully automated 3D printing technology to generate flow profiles for manhole and inspection chambers.
The company can now generate various flow profiles at the same time using the new 3D printer setup, which eliminates the need for human intervention.
It is feasible to handle more orders in a shorter amount of time because of the higher production speed and the ability to run the printer 24/7.
As a result, clients will benefit from better drainage services.
Pipelife’s Bespoke Hydraulics
Pipelife can also deliver improved hydraulics that is completely suited to each project’s specifications thanks to the 3D printer.
Within 20 minutes, the connected software, developed in collaboration with Pipelife’s software partner, calculates and creates a profile. The risk of stagnant stormwater or wastewater, as well as obstructions, can be greatly decreased with increased hydraulic characteristics.
As a result, the risk of unanticipated extra costs is reduced.
“We are the first company in the world to use 3D printing in manufacturing,” says the company.
I am convinced that we are setting a new standard for production efficiency, precision, and safety.
Pipelife CEO Harald Schwarzmayr stated, “Automated 3D printing is a good example of the benefits of industry 4.0 technologies in manufacturing.”
Aside from the obvious advantages for customers, the safety factor played a big role in the decision to switch from manual to 3D printing production.
Non-standard connections for inspection chambers and manholes are needed in a variety of situations.
Ton Schoenmaker, International Project Manager at Pipelife’s R&D department, noted, “Normally, you would have to cut the non-standard connections by hand, which carries the danger of mishaps.” “However, we can lessen or even eliminate injuries with automated 3D printing technologies,” he asserted.
In the summer of 2021, Pipelife Netherland installed an updated 3D printer with more automated functionalities.
The 3D printer has substantially improved production speed and precision since its deployment.
Additional upgrades to the 3D printer, such as increased automation of the entire setup, are in the works.
3D printing will be implemented across the Group after they are done in early 2022.
