How does GS Technology use the advantages of Additive Manufacturing?
The manufacturing industry is constantly looking for new and improved production techniques. The emergence of Additive Manufacturing, which bypasses various limitations of conventional technologies, is a good example of this. Since the birth of the first 3D printer in the late 1980s, AM has undergone a strong evolution. As a result, today there is a wide range of devices and techniques that can accelerate and simplify the production process, without having to compromise on quality.
More and more companies are making the transition to Additive Manufacturing. However, it is not easy to determine where and how these technologies should be integrated into a company for an optimal return. In addition, it is crucial to keep up with the latest developments in the world of (industrial) 3D printing, as generations of faster, more cost-effective and more durable devices follow each other in rapid succession. A specialised AM consultancy company such as GS Technology can offer support in this.
Additive Manufacturing or 3D-printing?
As a specialised consultancy firm, GS Technology aims to convince companies of the possibilities of Additive Manufacturing. This term covers a range of technologies that have one thing in common. As the name suggests, objects are built by gradually connecting more and more materials to each other. The geometries formed in this way are also based entirely on digital versions of the models, which are first created in specialised CAD (Computer Aided Design) software.
The terms Additive Manufacturing and 3D printing are often used interchangeably and essentially mean the same thing. Nevertheless, in an industrial context it is more common to speak of AM, since more advanced and precise techniques are used. When we think of AM, we more quickly think of larger, more expensive, but also more capable installations that are, to a certain extent, suitable for serial production and that can, for example, print very sophisticated materials or metals. The term 3D printing, on the other hand, is mainly used to describe the more easily accessible machines and techniques.
As a specialised consultancy firm, GS Technology aims to convince companies of the possibilities of Additive Manufacturing. This term covers a range of technologies that have one thing in common. As the name suggests, objects are built by gradually connecting more and more materials to each other. The geometries formed in this way are also based entirely on digital versions of the models, which are first created in specialised CAD (Computer Aided Design) software.
Additive Manufacturing Consultancy
GS Technology assists companies in introducing additive technologies to optimise existing workflows and processes. Based on a careful business analysis and in dialogue with the customer, it is determined in which ways AM can add value. The entire development process is taken into account, from idea generation and prototyping to final production. Different companies have different needs. Additive technologies can be used very flexibly. GS Technology has the knowledge and resources to take care of the integration of the right technology in the right place.
Product development
De 3D-printer werd al kort na zijn ontstaan opgepikt door ontwerpers en productontwikkelaars voor wie het potentieel van de technologie snel duidelijk was. Met de komst van deze toestellen werd het plots veel toegankelijker om de functionaliteit of vormgeving van een voordien ontastbaar productidee in de fysieke wereld uit te proberen. Het proces achter de totstandkoming van een nieuw product heeft doorgaans een iteratief karakter, waarbij incrementeel verbeterde prototypes elkaar snel opvolgen. For this process, usually referred to as rapid prototyping, the 3D printer proved to be an enormously valuable tool.
At GS Technology, our devices are equally used for these applications. Customers can approach us with an idea or problem that they do not yet have a design or solution for. In consultation, the requirements are determined, after which our designers get to work on working out a suitable solution. Using our own printers, concepts and principles are very quickly converted into tangible objects with which the operation can be verified. This way, the customer gets very concrete examples of a possible end product right from the start and can easily adjust where necessary.
During the development process, consideration is obviously given to the production techniques that can be used for the realisation of the final design. Thanks to the considerable evolutions that the world of Additive Manufacturing has gone through in recent years, we can consider these technologies as worthy alternatives to more conventional production techniques for a rapidly increasing number of applications. If it turns out that AM is the most interesting option because of things like lead time, cost efficiency and the ability to manufacture complex objects, the design is optimised to make the most of these advantages. In many cases, our own 3D printers can be used for production.
In-house 3D-printing
It is undeniable that AM has a large number of advantages and almost infinite potential applications. The earlier one takes the possibilities of AM into account in the product development process, the greater the benefits will be. For this reason, it can be very interesting not to outsource design and production (any longer), but to invest in your own machine and in-house expertise. Also purely in terms of lead time and manufacturing costs, a 3D printer will usually pay for itself in a very short time. However, it is important to be well advised when choosing the technology and printer model, as the intended applications may determine the most suitable device.
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
Of all 3D printing technologies, FDM is probably the best known and most widespread. This technology works with a print head that can move along three axes. During this movement, thermoplastic material is heated and extruded, after which it solidifies again to take the intended shape.
GS Technology has exclusive partnerships with FDM printer manufacturers such as Markforged and Loop3D, and also offers devices from Stacker and Prusa3D.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Stereolithopgraphy (SLA)
Robotised 3D-printing
The maximum dimensions of print parts usually depend on the size of the printer. However, this need not always be a limiting factor! By installing an FDM printhead on a robotic arm, you can, in fact, build your own printer that is not limited in its dimensions.
For these applications, GS Technology uses robot arms from Kuka and print heads from the Dyze Design brand.
The advantages of Additive Manufacturing are no longer a secret to us. From idea to end product, that is GS Technology.
Feel free to drop by and let us talk about the possibilities of AM for your business!
De maakindustrie is steeds op zoek naar nieuwe en verbeterde productietechnieken. Het ontstaan van Additive Manufacturing, waarmee men verschillende beperkingen van conventionele technologieën omzeilt, is hier een mooi voorbeeld van. Sinds de geboorte van de eerste 3D-printer, eind jaren tachtig vorige eeuw, heeft AM een sterke evolutie doorgemaakt. Dit maakt dat er vandaag de dag een groot aanbod bestaat aan toestellen en technieken die het productie-proces kunnen versnellen en vereenvoudigen, zonder aan kwaliteit te moeten inboeten.
More and more companies are making the transition to Additive Manufacturing. However, it is not easy to determine where and how these technologies should be integrated into a company for an optimal return. In addition, it is crucial to keep up with the latest developments in the world of (industrial) 3D printing, as generations of faster, more cost-effective and more durable devices follow each other in rapid succession. A specialised AM consultancy company such as GS Technology can offer support in this.
Additive Manufacturing or 3D-printing?
As a specialised consultancy firm, GS Technology aims to convince companies of the possibilities of Additive Manufacturing. This term covers a range of technologies that have one thing in common. As the name suggests, objects are built by gradually connecting more and more materials to each other. The geometries formed in this way are also based entirely on digital versions of the models, which are first created in specialised CAD (Computer Aided Design) software.
The terms Additive Manufacturing and 3D printing are often used interchangeably and essentially mean the same thing. Nevertheless, in an industrial context it is more common to speak of AM, since more advanced and precise techniques are used. When we think of AM, we more quickly think of larger, more expensive, but also more capable installations that are, to a certain extent, suitable for serial production and that can, for example, print very sophisticated materials or metals. The term 3D printing, on the other hand, is mainly used to describe the more easily accessible machines and techniques.
As a specialised consultancy firm, GS Technology aims to convince companies of the possibilities of Additive Manufacturing. This term covers a range of technologies that have one thing in common. As the name suggests, objects are built by gradually connecting more and more materials to each other. The geometries formed in this way are also based entirely on digital versions of the models, which are first created in specialised CAD (Computer Aided Design) software.
Additive Manufacturing Consultancy
GS Technology assists companies in introducing additive technologies to optimise existing workflows and processes. Based on a careful business analysis and in dialogue with the customer, it is determined in which ways AM can add value. The entire development process is taken into account, from idea generation and prototyping to final production. Different companies have different needs. Additive technologies can be used very flexibly. GS Technology has the knowledge and resources to take care of the integration of the right technology in the right place.
Product development
De 3D-printer werd al kort na zijn ontstaan opgepikt door ontwerpers en productontwikkelaars voor wie het potentieel van de technologie snel duidelijk was. Met de komst van deze toestellen werd het plots veel toegankelijker om de functionaliteit of vormgeving van een voordien ontastbaar productidee in de fysieke wereld uit te proberen. Het proces achter de totstandkoming van een nieuw product heeft doorgaans een iteratief karakter, waarbij incrementeel verbeterde prototypes elkaar snel opvolgen. For this process, usually referred to as rapid prototyping, the 3D printer proved to be an enormously valuable tool.
At GS Technology, our devices are equally used for these applications. Customers can approach us with an idea or problem that they do not yet have a design or solution for. In consultation, the requirements are determined, after which our designers get to work on working out a suitable solution. Using our own printers, concepts and principles are very quickly converted into tangible objects with which the operation can be verified. This way, the customer gets very concrete examples of a possible end product right from the start and can easily adjust where necessary.
During the development process, consideration is obviously given to the production techniques that can be used for the realisation of the final design. Thanks to the considerable evolutions that the world of Additive Manufacturing has gone through in recent years, we can consider these technologies as worthy alternatives to more conventional production techniques for a rapidly increasing number of applications. If it turns out that AM is the most interesting option because of things like lead time, cost efficiency and the ability to manufacture complex objects, the design is optimised to make the most of these advantages. In many cases, our own 3D printers can be used for production.
Niet al onze klanten komen echter met de vraag een product van nul te ontwikkelen. Vaak wordt geïnformeerd of het mogelijk is bestaande ontwerpen of producten te fabriceren met een AM-technologie. Dit omdat het initiële ontwerp bijvoorbeeld complicaties ondervindt op gebied van bevoorrading, kritieke ontwerpfouten of vervangonderdelen dewelke op al dan niet korte termijn verholpen moeten worden. GS Technology is gespecialiseerd in reverse engineering en optimalisatie van zowel fysieke voorwerpen als digitale ontwerpen. Met behulp van 3D-scantechnologie zijn we in staat objecten met zeer hoge nauwkeurigheid te digitaliseren en te reproduceren, waarbij ontwerp-optimalisaties kunnen worden uit-gevoerd waar nodig.
In-house 3D-printing
Het is onmiskenbaar dat AM een flink aantal voordelen en quasi oneindig veel potentiële toepassingen heeft. Hoe vroeger men in het productontwikkelings-proces rekening houdt met de mogelijkheden van AM, des te groter de voordelen zullen zijn. Het kan om die reden zeer interessant zijn om ontwerp en productie niet (langer) uit te besteden, maar te investeren in een eigen machine en in-house expertise. Ook louter op vlak van doorlooptijd en fabricagekosten zal een 3D-printer zichzelf doorgaans op zeer korte tijd terugverdienen. Naar keuze van technologie en printermodel toe is het evenwel belangrijk u goed te laten adviseren, aangezien de voorziene toepassingen bepalend kunnen zijn voor het meest geschikte toestel.
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
Of all 3D printing technologies, FDM is probably the best known and most widespread. This technology works with a print head that can move along three axes. During this movement, thermoplastic material is heated and extruded, after which it solidifies again to take the intended shape.
GS Technology has exclusive partnerships with FDM printer manufacturers such as Markforged and Loop3D, and also offers devices from Stacker and Prusa3D.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Zoals de naam suggereert maken SLS-printers gebruik van laserstralen om objecten te creëren. Dit type toestel deponeert herhaaldelijk zeer dunne, egale laagjes kunststofpoeder op het printoppervlak, afwisselend met een nauwkeurige laser de korreltjes lokaal verhit zodat deze zich aan elkaar verbinden (ofwel sinteren). Na afloop wordt het niet-gesinterde poeder gescheiden van het printstuk voor hergebruik. GS Technology is verdeler van de toestellen van Sinterit.
Stereolithopgraphy (SLA)
SLA-printers maken gebruik van ultravioletlicht om een resin (hars) te laten uitharden via een polymerisatie-reactie. Net als bij SLS-technologie gebeurt dit zeer gecontroleerd en lokaal, waardoor als het ware een voorwerp gecreëerd wordt in een met hars gevuld vat. GS Technology verdeelt SLA-printers van het merk Formlabs.
Robotised 3D-printing
The maximum dimensions of print parts usually depend on the size of the printer. However, this need not always be a limiting factor! By installing an FDM printhead on a robotic arm, you can, in fact, build your own printer that is not limited in its dimensions.
For these applications, GS Technology uses robot arms from Kuka and print heads from the Dyze Design brand.
The advantages of Additive Manufacturing are no longer a secret to us. From idea to end product, that is GS Technology.
Feel free to drop by and let us talk about the possibilities of AM for your business!
English (UK) 
Nederlands (België)