Printing the machines of the future

I think I am not alone when I tell you that I am fascinated by 3D printing. The concept that you can use a printer to make a product that before required skilled and labour intensive methods such as machining, fabrication, welding, etc, really is incredible. Clearly, 3D printers don’t solve every issue or manufacturing need, but it is remarkable to see the range of applications they already have. As they grow as an industry, they also give rise to a series of related business and technical opportunities.

This week, at a meeting in Brussels, I have come across a company called Innomaq21, which is based in Spain, in Terrassa (Catalonia). These guys have developed an atomising technology which allows them to make a metal powder with exceptional properties for 3D printing. As a result, one can now print extremely complex metal products, by using a metal 3D printer and these powders, much faster and with much greater detail and quality than before. One of their principal current applications is the 3D printing of injection moulds, which can then be used to mould complex, detailed products. Anyone who knows the injection moulding industry will know that currently, casting the moulds is extremely expensive, very slow and makes it impossible to make design changes unless it is for long term, large production volumes. 3D printing and the Innomaq powder can be a game changer in this area and fundamentally change the way many industrial products are manufactured. The ultimate result of this development may be cheaper, lighter and better quality metal products both for consumers and industry.

A metal mould printed in a 3D printer using Innomaq21's powder

It is very encouraging to find out that this kind of technology is being made in Spain. I will follow this company with interest. If you are curious, and want to know some more, you can check them out here.