Innovative 3D printing for production parts

Groschopp AG makes intensive use of additive manufacturing at its Viersen site for the development and production of its drive components. While 3D printing was previously reserved primarily for prototype construction, the technology has long since established itself among the drive experts as an economically viable pillar in manufacturing. In addition to prototypes and assembly fixtures, the company also uses it to produce fully functional series components for its motors and gearboxes.

Groschopp has been gathering experience in this field since as early as 2012, initially relying on FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers to process the robust plastic ABS. Today, a modern MSLA (Masked Stereolithography Apparatus) printer is also used. This resin 3D printing process utilizes an LCD mask and UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer. This allows components such as brush holders to be realized with high-precision and varied material properties.

According to the engineering management, the strategic advantage lies primarily in rapid availability and increased flexibility in product design. Complex geometries can be implemented in a material-saving manner, and by combining several components into a single printed part, downstream assembly costs are reduced. Since the creation of expensive specialized tooling is eliminated, 3D printing offers Groschopp a highly efficient and cost-effective alternative to accelerate development projects and to serve customer inquiries in the small-series segment extremely quickly.