A tech start-up founded in 2015, Spare Parts 3D started to work with Whirlpool in November 2017, with a pilot project led in Singapore on 150 parts covering various typologies, materials and technologies.
Once the technical suitability had been validated in January 2018, Spare Parts 3D performed a catalogue analysis covering 11 000 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs), supported by its DigiPART and focusing on two key issues: obsolescence and shortages cases. Some 7% of the SKUs were found to be economically suitable for production by additive manufacturing.
Using three kinds of technology (HP Multi Jet Fusion, Fused Deposition Modelling, stereolithography) combined with five materials (ABS, ABS V0, PA12, Rubber-like resin and PP-like resins), additive manufacturing can cover a wide range of needs, in terms of spare parts for the home appliance industry.
With the first project is now launched, the next step is to enlarge the process of digitisation to a larger pool of parts. A few models have already been produced on demand and delivered to customers. Whirlpool and Spare Parts 3D plan to intensify their collaboration to scale up the production in the coming months.
- Spare Parts 3D is also looking at a portable 3D printing solution (see image), using a standard shipping container. The container can be linked to a power source, have a humidity and temperature control device, a gas detection and extraction system, and an anti-static floor mat. Therefore, a shipping container offers a safe environment for the workers against AM risks but also against external risks (fire, extreme conditions).
It is also large enough to hold all the equipment required to print spare parts: the AM machine itself, but also the reserves of consumables (Powder storage, Gas supply, Powder recycling unit, storage space for printed parts), the post-processing equipment (Air Blower, Heat treatment, finishing tools) as well as the safety equipment (Clothing, respiration, glasses, fire extinguisher).
