From Constraints to Creativity: How Handsaeme Machinery Advances Industrial Innovation with Metal Additive Manufacturing

Introduction 

Handsaeme Machinery, a company known for its custom automation solutions, recently expanded its capabilities by incorporating metal additive manufacturing. Through the installation of the iSLM280 3D metal printer and the AFS 280 metal powder circulation unit at their premises, Handsaeme Machinery has significantly enhanced their design and production processes. This decision allowed them to move beyond traditional manufacturing constraints, expanding their capacity to produce complex parts, streamline workflows, and ultimately stay ahead in their industry. 

Installation day of the iSLM280 ZRapid Technologies industrial metal 3D Printer and AFS 280 metal powder circulation unit, at Handsaeme Machinery’s premises.

This case study examines the impact of this integration, based on detailed insights shared by the Handsaeme Machinery team, focusing on how 3D printing has transformed their workflow and contributed to their long-term strategy.

Design Freedom Beyond Traditional Constraints

One of the primary advantages of adopting additive manufacturing for Handsaeme Machinery was the design flexibility it unlocked. Previously, the company had to design parts that conformed to the limitations of their CNC machines. With 3D printing, however, they can now create complex parts like custom shielding hoods, exhaust pipes, and drive wheels without the need for high tolerances typically associated with CNC machining. As Olivier Handsaeme shares, “You don’t have to think about whether we can make the part on our machines anymore. Additive manufacturing makes almost anything possible in terms of design.”

Part manufactured by Handsaeme Machinery, showcasing how easy it has become to produce the parts you need.

Handsaeme Machinery's goal was to shift as many parts as possible from traditional CNC machining to 3D printing. The iSLM280 industrial metal 3d printer by ZRapid Technologies, has enabled them to print parts that don’t require the precision of CNC, such as complex machine components and custom-sized parts. This shift has reduced their reliance on time-consuming setup and programming for CNC machines, leading to improved production efficiency and flexibility.

The integration of the AFS 280 metal powder circulation unit has further streamlined Handsaeme Machinery's production process. This unit automatically sieves and recycles unused powder, reducing the need for manual intervention and exposure to materials. “With the AFS280, all excess powder is automatically sieved and recycled, so we don’t need to come into contact with it at all,” Olivier shared. This automation not only enhances safety but also contributes to a cleaner and more efficient production environment.

Faster Prototyping and Iteration

This splitter allows one vacuum cleaner to extract dust from two different locations. Handsaeme Machinery was able to design and produce the splitter in a single piece.

Additive manufacturing has significantly shortened Handsaeme Machinery's design and prototyping cycles. Without the constraints of traditional machining methods, the company can now design and produce parts much faster. 3D printing also reduces the amount of programming work required by CNC machines, allowing Handsaeme Machinery to iterate more quickly and offer faster turnaround times for their clients.

The transition to 3D printing has also brought about notable cost savings. By reducing the need for tooling like drills and cutting plates, Handsaeme Machinery has minimized equipment costs. Additionally, because 3D printing is largely automated, operators can focus on other tasks while parts are being produced.

Design of the splitter that allows one vacuum cleaner to extract dust from two different locations.

In terms of sustainability, Handsaeme Machinery has experienced clear benefits from 3D printing. The process eliminates the need for cooling oils and reduces waste from broken cutting tools, contributing to a cleaner production environment. “With 3D printing, we don’t have broken cutting tools or dirty cooling oil, which makes our process much cleaner and more sustainable,” said Olivier Handsaeme. This shift not only reduces waste but also aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals.

Conclusion

Handsaeme Machinery's adoption of additive manufacturing has proven to be a transformative step in their production processes. By leveraging the iSLM280 3D metal printer and the AFS 280 powder circulation unit, the company has expanded its design capabilities, improved workflow efficiency, and achieved cost and sustainability benefits. As Handsaeme Machinery continues to push the boundaries of innovation, their experience serves as a compelling example of how additive manufacturing can revolutionize traditional industries.

Interested in learning more about the iSLM280 or how we can help you with your 3D printing needs? Contact us today to explore the possibilities.

Email: info@anima.gr

Call: +30 210 77 76 822