[3D Printing Applications] What else can 3D printing do? Lonypack's example of using 3D printing to optimize food packaging!

[3D Printing Applications] What else can 3D printing do? Lonypack's example of using 3D printing to optimize food packaging!

Background of Lonypack Global

Lonypack Global has 25 years of experience in the cured meat and dairy slicing industry. Located an hour northwest of Madrid, Spain, the company's deboning, slicing, and packaging lines are certified to the highest standards. In early 2022, following discussions with Sicnova, Lonypack decided to adopt 3D technology in its factory, using UltiMaker 3D printers and Kimya 3D printing materials to optimize its production processes.


Achieve greater self-sufficiency and save costs

Lonypack began exploring 3D printing in early 2022. Their goal was to develop new component designs to optimize their production processes. Doing so would allow the Spanish company to implement these improvements in the most economical and customizable way in its state-of-the-art factory.

Lonypack, headquartered in central Spain, began exploring 3D printing in 2022.

Industrial engineers developed four key applications with the help of UltiMaker partner Sicnova and distributor Cosomo 3D.

Parts costs reduced by 70%, turnaround time shortened

The new design solution was implemented from the outset. Lonypack manufactures parts including the cutting blade, comb pick-up unit, rotating mechanism, and sprocket, at a cost 70% lower than before.

Compared to the previous delivery time, the delivery time has also been reduced by 70%.

3D printed parts can save 70% of costs and feature a unique blue color to indicate food safety.

Robotic arms equipped with pick-up combs lift fresh meat portions from the slicer to the packaging.

The cutting edge protects the blade during slicing. A pick-up comb picks up the portions to be packaged. A flipping mechanism transports these portions to an empty pallet that forms part of the package . The printer and filament ensure that the printed parts are food-safe throughout the process, thus saving on the operating costs of the robotic arm and slicer.


More widely adopted in the food industry

Lonypack's first 3D printing experience was a huge success, and Román Velasco explained: "It's only a matter of time before other food companies incorporate these solutions into their production processes. In the future, they will become an important part of factories."