As a result of our leading-edge experiences with Additive Manufacturing in a range of sectors and applications we are able to offer existing and new clients the benefits of our journey through the 3D Additive Manufacturing Advisory and Training Services.
The 3D Additive Manufacturing Advisory and Training Services are led by our Associate Director Ian Halliday, EngD, MBA, MSc, BSc.
A programme of support for Additive Manufacturing
We have three modules as a part of our programme of support for businesses seeking to:
(1) improve their understanding of Additive Manufacturing;
(2) build Additive Manufacturing into their business strategies; and
(3) incorporate Additive Manufacturing into their design policies, processes and practices.
These three modules can be delivered together or structured and scheduled depending on the client’s requirements. Our Advisory and Training services can be organised on a 121 or on a group basis and can be tailored to the specific needs of the client.
Module One: An Introduction to Additive Manufacturing (plastic and metal)
A course covering the essentials of AM. As the participants will have a range of knowledge levels, the course will go from basics right through to considerations of design for manufacture and production.
This module covers both Plastic and Metal AM, highlighting the new challenges AM presents relative to conventional manufacturing as well as the opportunities that AM offers.
An additional introduction day can be provided for greater depth as required.
This is suitable for both senior management and engineers. All those likely to be leading or involved in the introduction of AM into the business processes should attend this module.
The key areas covered will include:
- Background to AM
- Principle AM technologies and techniques
- The AM process chain
- Software and Hardware considerations
- Main advantages and disadvantages of AM
- Production AM
- Future developments in AM
- Considerations for AM use and exploitation within your company
At the end of this session participants will go away with an understanding of:
- The range of AM technologies and which might be most applicable
- The key benefits and challenges from AM
- An initial idea of how AM could be used to best effect within the company.
Module Two: Developing your Additive Manufacturing Implementation Strategy
This is suitable for businesses looking to set up their own internal capability or simply to take advantage of the benefits that can arise from using AM in their supply chain.
It is aimed primarily at the senior management team who will own and drive the AM implementation strategy, and the managers and engineers who will perform the implementation process.
The Strategy module is comprised of:
- Pre-Workshop to enable the Strategy Workshop days to be shaped to the business needs.
- Workshop one:
- Quick review of the potential benefits from AM
- SWOT for the business
- Internal and External Context for the strategy
- What aspects of the business, and who, would be involved in introducing/ increasing the use of AM (Content of the strategy and change)
- Risks, Challenges and Drivers in the introduction process
- Next steps
- Workshop two:
- Understanding how AM could benefit the company and product range
- SWOT review (from Workshop one)
- Assessment of the most appropriate AM technology/technologies for the business
- Supply chain options – make vs buy
- Resources, Finances, timescales for implementing AM
- Outline AM strategy defined
- Outline action and time plan
- Next steps
At the end of these Workshop sessions participants will go away with:
- A clear understanding of how AM can benefit the business and the drivers for change both externally and within the business
- An understanding of the applicable AM technologies and focal points
- An understanding of what parts of the business will be involved in and affected by the introduction of AM and what changes will be needed to maximise the benefits from AM
- What support and resources will be required to implement the AM process chain within the business, and how to drive the changes needed
- A Strategy for AM and an outline plan for implementation
Module Three: Design for Additive Manufacturing (plastic and metal) – “DfAM”
This module is primarily for engineers and engineering management. Senior management involved in AM implementation are encouraged to join. This module will assume that delegates have a good basic understanding of AM, as covered in the AM introduction module (Module One).
This module will usually involve AM practitioners and manufacturing partners in its delivery.
The workshop will be in the style of a round table discussion and start with some background and basics of design for AM. The delegates will then work through some parts that have been prepared prior to the workshop.
The DfAM Module will cover:
- Design concepts for AM
- Review of designs & design principles
- Overcoming obstacles to AM introduction
At the end of this session participants will go away with:
- A robust appreciation of the principles of DfAM
- An understanding of the challenges faced in designing and building plastic and metal AM parts, and how to mitigate the risks through design
- An awareness of some key software tools to aid DfAM
- Principles of Design for Production AM
- Next steps for AM design development
To arrange a free initial consultation on your advisory or training needs then send an email to enquiries@3D-consultancy.com with your contact details.