From breakage to spare part
- Philipp Süß
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
With the help of 3D printing, WEBER Textilveredelungs GmbH was able to produce a replacement part for a winding machine that lasts much longer without the original weak point.
WEBER Textilveredelungs GmbH is a leading manufacturer of quality yarns. The company had been experiencing problems sourcing replacement parts for the thread guide of a winding machine for some time. The thread guide repeatedly broke, and replacement parts were no longer available from the manufacturer.
WEBER's Managing Director, Jan Bergler, sought a solution to the problem. He turned to igus, the specialists in 3D printing of engineering plastics. igus quickly recognized that the thread guide had a structural weakness that caused the breakage.
igus recommended that WEBER commission engineers from Süß & friends to optimize the thread guide design. We analyzed the component and interviewed users to identify the exact problem. It turned out that the thread guide was subjected to high stresses due to the reciprocating motion in the winding machine. However, the component was very thin in the critical area because it had to fit through a narrow slot.
The solution was to completely rebuild the thread guide and reinforce the critical area. The result is a replacement part that lasts much longer without the original weak point. And should it ever break, igus can quickly and cost-effectively reproduce it using selective laser sintering, powder 3D printing using a laser. Due to the high mechanical requirements, iglidur i3-PL, a high-strength material, is used.
Jan Bergler, Managing Director of WEBER Textilveredelungs Gmbh:
"I am very satisfied with the results of my collaboration with Süß & friends. The new spare part works perfectly, and the thread guide issues have been resolved. I can now produce smoothly again and supply my customers with high-quality yarns. I would use Süß & friends again at any time."
Video: Functional test of the new spare part inside the winder.
The collaboration between WEBER and Süß & friends demonstrates how 3D printing can be used to solve problems and improve production. 3D printing is an innovative technology that can be used in many industries and can make production more efficient and cost-effective.
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