Since its inception, Ultimaker has accumulated many cases in different fields, such as customized 4x4 automotive parts , production line optimization , and 3D printed prosthetics , which were introduced earlier. This time, we will introduce another case of an end-component development company to give you a more comprehensive understanding of the application scope of Ultimaker and the benefits of 3D printing.
Founded over 80 years ago, ERIKS has maintained its industry leadership by employing cutting-edge technologies such as the UltiMaker 3D printing ecosystem to meet the evolving needs of its diverse customer base. With over 5,000 highly skilled employees in 15 countries, ERIKS is a multi-product specialist offering a wide range of high-quality mechanical engineering components and services.
ERIKS is an early adopter of 3D printing , integrating it into all aspects of its operations, from fixtures and fixtures to production parts. ERIKS places great emphasis on lean manufacturing practices to create more value for its customers with greater efficiency, better quality, and limited resources. What differentiates the company from its competitors is its commitment to quality and precision, evident in its decision to use 3D printing in its clean manufacturing facilities. Notably, ERIKS achieved a milestone by certifying its workflow for creating food-safe printed parts, positioning it as one of the global pilot projects.
Reliability and lifespan of the UltiMaker 3D printer
Most ERIKS 3D printers are designed for prototyping, custom fixtures, jigs, and tools for production or maintenance purposes. Over time, the company has begun to use 3D printing technology to manufacture end-use parts, utilizing a variety of materials to meet specific requirements such as heat resistance, food safety, or EMD safety.
Job van de Sande, Engineering Director at ERIKS, pointed out the versatility of 3D printing, which enables the production of flexible or rigid components suitable for various applications, including optimized assembly or production processes, quality tools, and safety equipment.
Van de Sande emphasized the importance of UltiMaker in its 3D printing journey, stating:
"We made UltiMaker the platform of choice for ERIKS FDM 3D printing. Now, we have expanded our number of printers to about 25, spread across 10 different teams in 6 different countries."
ERIKS utilizes a wide range of UltiMaker printers in the S series, including the latest UltiMaker S7 3D printer . The reliability and future-proof features of UltiMaker are crucial to ERIKS, ensuring the long-term viability of their printer investments.
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Van de Sande praised UltiMaker's reliability and lifespan, stating:
"It's very important that the printers we buy today will still be usable five years from now. Thanks to continuous updates to the firmware and other components, we're still able to use the entire UltiMaker printer series that we've purchased over the years."
3D printing workflow is smoother, faster, and better.
Jan Brabander, Product Manager at ERIKS Industrial Plastics in the Netherlands, emphasized the important role of 3D printing in its processes, especially for rapid prototyping and small-batch production, where cost-effectiveness and speed are crucial.
“During development, we can produce a part to make it easier to demonstrate to our production team or customers,” Brabander noted. “We also use 3D printing throughout our internal processes, such as production or quality control. For example, for assembling products, checking measurements, or tools that make our processes faster, smoother, and of better quality. We are increasingly using 3D printing to manufacture industrial-grade end-use parts that can be used in our customers’ machines or factories.”
ERIKS Industrial Plastics focuses on CNC machining and injection molding, but also considers 3D printing as a viable option for producing custom parts to meet customer needs.
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Van de Sande explains, “Whether they’re looking for heat-resistant, food-safe, or EMD-safe applications, 3D printing can do it all. And when they’re considering more dynamic characteristics, such as flexible or very rigid parts, they can really leverage 3D printers to achieve that.” The engineering plastics production facility in Ed is designed to produce food-safe parts in accordance with EC1935 and GMP standards.
ERIKS drill bit alignment clamp for electronic housings
Van de Sande outlined a bottom-up approach to 3D printing. ERIKS encourages the entire team to explore the potential of 3D printing in their production environments and gradually become part of a 3D printing expert group. ERIKS has built a community where experts from different business units and locations come together to exchange ideas and knowledge, ensuring a holistic approach to 3D printing implementation.
The use of Trinckle , a software that provides parametric design and automation solutions, further democratizes 3D printing, enabling a wider group (not necessarily with an engineering background) to create applications and leverage 3D printing. The software also provides a range of industry-standard preset fixtures, allowing ERIKS to simplify and accelerate the creation of 3D printing applications.
The UltiMaker material station can easily load up to 6 filament rolls from the front, with filament end detection, NFC identification of compatible materials, and automatic material switching.
Leveraging the power of the UltiMaker 3D printing ecosystem
ERIKS utilizes the complete UltiMaker 3D printing ecosystem, establishing standards within the organization through the UltiMaker Marketplace and Digital Factory Enterprise Edition . Digital Factory provides a comprehensive solution for 3D printer management, allowing users to remotely prepare, queue, print, and manage their projects. Reliability and continuous updates, including firmware and applications (such as Cura, the world's most popular slicing program), ensure ERIKS has a long-lasting fleet of printers and enable teams to scale 3D printing applications.
Security is a top priority for ERIKS and its customers. Deploying Digital Factory Enterprise Edition ensures secure operations and maintains systems behind firewalls, while Cura Enterprise Edition facilitates collaboration with IT partners to ensure seamless integration of technology stacks. This comprehensive approach enables ERIKS to create a broad community of enthusiasts and experts, driving the widespread adoption of 3D printing.
UltiMaker's 3D printing software allows ERIKS engineers to design and iterate rapidly to ensure that components are built to specifications.
3D printing design flexibility
Brabander pointed out the benefits of 3D printing , stating, "Design flexibility is a significant advantage. There are fewer restrictions in the production process. And it's very fast."
The flexibility of 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping during the development process, simplifying communication with production teams and customers. ERIKS strategically selects from various manufacturing/production technologies, considering factors such as series size, part quantity, delivery time, and technical parameters, to effectively meet customer needs and provide 3D printing as a solution when it aligns with those needs.
Brabander emphasized: " We won't push any particular type of technology. If 3D printing provides the best solution for our customers, we can use it as our tool. "
As ERIKS continues to integrate 3D printing into more locations, the company expects to further reduce costs and time, thereby expanding the application of the technology. Brabander continued, " In our view, the real benefit is the ability to produce higher-quality parts for customers faster. " The design flexibility and speed of 3D printing make it the optimal choice for certain applications.
Expanding 3D printing capabilities
ERIKS' forward-thinking 3D printing approach not only improves its internal processes but also serves as a valuable tool for meeting customer needs. The reliability, continuous updates, and comprehensive 3D printing ecosystem of UltiMaker combine to propel ERIKS at the forefront of manufacturing innovation.
"With the development of more reliable and repeatable end parts, ERIKS has begun taking steps to bring it into compliance with industry standards and ensure that 3D printing truly becomes an alternative, or even the preferred choice, for new and exciting high-end applications," said Van der Sand.
van der Sand concluded,
"To expand our capabilities with ERIKS, UltiMaker has proven itself to be a reliable and flexible solution."
[Related Products ]:
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👉 UltiMaker S5 - 3D Printer
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