3D printed replacement parts in a winding machine

Improved sliding properties and wear with 3D printed spindle

3D printing is helping improve performance and availability of replacement parts for many machines and this page highlights how this is being done in textile machinery. This application identifies a complex cross-thread spindle for a winding machine, which was redesigned after the manufacturer looked at replacing the original parts. These parts were costly to manufacture and required regular replacement.

The complex geometry also made sourcing a suitable alternative difficult. The replacement component was manufactured using iglidur i3, a SLS 3D printing powder. This material ensured the spindle achieved an improvement in sliding properties while reducing manufacturing costs by 50%.

Requirement, challenge and solution

Requirement

What was needed: A simple and inexpensive cross-threaded spindle with good sliding properties
Manufacturing process: Laser sintering with SLS powder
Requirements: Good sliding properties, fast and cost-effective production of individual parts
Material: iglidur® i3
Industry: Textile industry
Success through cooperation: 50% savings through additive manufacturing and better sliding properties

3d printed replacement part for a winding machine

Challenge

Conti Tech hose GmbH needed a cross-thread spindle for a winding machine that ensures that the yarn is laid directly or via a yarn guide that is guided through the groove. The previous solution required the regular replacement of individual components, which were difficult to obtain and cost-intensive due to the complicated geometry of the cross-thread spindle.

Solution

The 3D printing service from igus® offered a fast and economical alternative, even for individual parts: The cross-threaded spindle is now produced from iglidur® i3 using additive manufacturing. The company was able to reduce costs by 50 per cent, as the classic production of the complex geometry of the cross-thread spindle was two times more expensive. The sliding properties of the spare parts were also improved by using the iglidur® material.

iglidur® i3 is a laser-sintered plastic and the most frequently used material in the additive manufacturing of igus®. It has excellent wear values and high strength. The iglidur® i3 SLS powder contains solid lubricants, eliminating the need for additional lubrication of the printed components.

The production of replacement, individual and series parts from iglidur® i3 takes place within one to three days and is possible from an individual item, with no MOQ. Orders can be placed quickly and easily online via the 3D printing service, whereby prices and delivery times can be provided immediately.

Further applications with wear-resistant 3D printing materials

Printed in 3D: maintenance-free gripper for the packaging industry

Fast availability at a low price and use under hygienic conditions were important prerequisites for this 3D printed gripper. It is used to package cosmetic products and has the special advantage of working without additional lubrication, hence fulfilling hygienic requirements.

Individual 3D printed gripper

Media-resistant sliding plates for water mowing machines

Mass Portal, a company from Riga, was looking for a solution to reduce the maintenance costs of floating mowing machines. Because the machines are constantly used in wet environments with a great deal of dirt and sand, the metallic sliders that have been used so far wear quickly and must be replaced up to three times each season. 3D printing glides made of iglidur® ensure the necessary robustness and lubrication-free running, even in damp environments and with intensive use of the bow shears.

Wear-resistant 3D printed sliding plates for mowing machines

Further applications with wear-resistant 3D printing polymers

3D printed components are used for prototypes, replacement parts and series in a wide variety of industries. From grand pianos to vehicles to aerospace applications – there is something for everyone. In addition to individual dimensions and special shapes for components such as gears, plain bearings and grippers, components made of iglidur materials are constructed and used for numerous individual applications.

Application examples for 3D printing with wear-resistant polymers

Further information on 3D printing

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