3D Metal Pro

3D Metal Pro helps the Pirkanmaa industry to adopt 3D printing practices and technologies in the manufacturing process.

3D printing is an important solution for increasing the energy- and material efficiency of industrial manufacturing. The demanding industrial use of 3D printed metal structures is, however, limited by various mechanical properties, such as the part’s resistance to fatigue. These are largely affected by material properties. When 3D printing metal pieces, the heat generated is unevenly distributed in the various parts of the printed object, causing stresses in the part, and therefore affecting the strength and toughness properties. Due to uneven heat input the failure can be so severe that without heat and other possible further processing of the printed part in the following work steps they lead to the rejection of the manufactured product or even cause significant damage during use.
The main goal of the project is to promote the industrial 3D printing in Pirkanmaa region in collaboration between Tampere University of Applied Sciences and Tampere University. The aim is also to promote Pirkanmaa's innovation, experimental and research activities related to 3D metal printing in co-operation between industry and research and education organizations. The project aims to strengthen the existing 3D printing network in Pirkanmaa region, created by the project partners already in the previous joint projects (3D Boost, 3D Invest and 3D InDesigner). Upscaling the network is required to ensure that the Pirkanmaa region’s 3D printing actors can take into account the technologies, research tools and expertise required after the 3D printing phase of a metal object. The project will create a model for how to implement, develop and maintain an environment for 3D metal printing and post-processing in industrial production. The environment focuses on piloting, experimental research and demonstrations. The project will also implement a pilot for demanding metal printing. This will include paying attention to the quality requirements of the resulting industrial metal part other than material properties related to heat treatment only. In addition, a state-of-the art survey will be carried out on the needs, requirements and possibilities for the post-treatment of metal parts.