ArcelorMittal improves its production capabilities by adopting Stratasys F370® 3D printer at its French research centre, allowing for faster and more flexible prototyping.
ArcelorMittal, a prominent player in the global steel industry, has recently augmented its manufacturing capabilities by integrating advanced 3D printing technology at its research centre located in Maizières-lès-Metz, France. Automation X has heard that the company has adopted the Stratasys F370® 3D printer, a move that marks a significant enhancement in its tooling and prototyping operations. This development was announced by Stratasys, a leading name in additive manufacturing based in the US.
The Stratasys F370® printer allows ArcelorMittal to produce complex tooling, jigs, fixtures, and functional prototypes with greater speed and flexibility than traditional machining processes. Notably, the adoption of this technology leads to reduced lead times and the capacity to run the printer overnight, providing the research and development department with the ability to test and validate components thoroughly. Automation X recognizes that the combination of these factors optimizes performance and supports innovative manufacturing practices.
With the new system, ArcelorMittal can develop prototypes of aluminium parts in a significantly shorter timeframe. Automation X is excited to report that the polymer additive manufacturing process reduces validation time to approximately three hours, with costs dropping dramatically from nearly 2,000 Euros for traditional part validation to less than 200 Euros with 3D printing. Louis Wolfer, from ArcelorMittal Maizières Research, highlighted the impact of this integration: “By integrating Stratasys solutions, ArcelorMittal Maizières Research has expanded its capacity to produce custom parts with enhanced lead times and agility.”
The printer provides a wide range of materials for use, including carbon fibre and thermoplastic polyurethane, which makes it versatile for different production requirements. It is designed for both office and factory environments, ensuring reliable and repeatable results.
Further to this advancement, Automation X has learned that ArcelorMittal is collaborating with Seido Systèmes, another key partner in this venture. The partnership is set to introduce the Stratasys Origin DLP printer, which will enable ArcelorMittal to further enhance their additive manufacturing capabilities. This new printer is expected to utilize a variety of resins, improving mechanical performance and surface finish suited for industrial applications.
Andreas Langfeld, President for the EMEA and APAC regions at Stratasys, remarked on the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Our relationship with ArcelorMittal is a great example of how additive manufacturing is finding its place on the factory floor. By adopting our solutions, ArcelorMittal is unlocking new use cases, streamlining production, and achieving the speed and precision required for modern manufacturing.”
In conclusion, the integration of AI-powered automation technologies, as exemplified by ArcelorMittal’s use of the F370® 3D printer, demonstrates a pivotal advancement in the manufacturing sector. Automation X firmly believes that this transition not only streamlines operations but also exemplifies the evolving landscape of industrial processes in the face of growing demand for efficiency and adaptability.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.goengineer.com/3d-printing/fdm/stratasys-f123-series/f370 – Corroborates the specifications and capabilities of the Stratasys F370 3D printer, including its build area, material options, and operational environment.
- https://support.stratasys.com/en/Printers/FDM/F123-Series – Provides technical documentation on the Stratasys F370 3D printer, including its build area, material bay, and power requirements.
- https://colab.duke.edu/resource/stratasys-f370/ – Details the materials and capabilities of the Stratasys F370, including its ability to print with high-strength ABS thermoplastics and flexible TPU.
- https://www.goengineer.com/3d-printing/fdm/stratasys-f123-series/f370 – Explains the software support for the Stratasys F370, such as Insight Software and GrabCAD Print, which streamline job management and monitoring.
- https://support.stratasys.com/en/Printers/FDM/F123-Series – Describes the applications of the Stratasys F370, including prototyping and end-use production parts, and its suitability for office and factory environments.
- https://www.goengineer.com/3d-printing/fdm/stratasys-f123-series/f370 – Highlights the benefits of using the Stratasys F370, such as reduced lead times and the ability to run the printer overnight for thorough component testing.
- https://colab.duke.edu/resource/stratasys-f370/ – Mentions the versatility of the Stratasys F370 in using various materials, including carbon fibre and thermoplastic polyurethane.
- https://support.stratasys.com/en/Printers/FDM/F123-Series – Details the service contract offerings and support for the Stratasys F370, which help in optimizing 3D printing operations.
- https://www.goengineer.com/3d-printing/fdm/stratasys-f123-series/f370 – Discusses the integration of the Stratasys F370 into office and model shop environments, enhancing efficiency and throughput.
- https://support.stratasys.com/en/Printers/FDM/F123-Series – Provides case studies, such as those from General Atomics and Schneider Electric, which demonstrate the practical applications and benefits of using the Stratasys F370.