3D Printing

Nedcam

Nedcam has a 3D printer that is unique to the Netherlands. Using this will prevent the waste of materials that are not recyclable and take the next step of sustainability within its organization and in the market.
With the 3D printer, unprecedented new possibilities can be opened up and even more solutions can be offered for making composite moulds.

First step to sustainability
With this AM Flexbot 3D printer from CEAD, we have recently started realizing 3D models from fully recyclable or already recycled thermoplastics. It is the first step in a development in which we also want to produce (larger) models, plugs and moulds (for example for the international yacht building, wind industry, architects, construction and infra sector) sustainably. Nedcam is fulfilling a pioneering role in this together with leading parties in the composites industry.

Next step with XXL 3D printer
After the good results we achieved with the AM Flexbot, we were ready for the next step. For printing even larger areas, we recently got the Fanum XXL 3D printer. With this new advanced printer, we can print at a range of 12m and 50+ kg per hour. We have already printed the first direct moulds to satisfaction for our customers. A big step in the transition to a circular production process.

Thermoplastics vs thermosets
In the current situation, Nedcam produces plugs and moulds mainly from wood, EPS (Styrofoam), laminate, epoxy paste or glass fiber reinforced composite, also called thermosets. Thermosets become irreversibly hard when used. Plugs milled from thermosets are used once, moulds during one product (series). Then they end up in the trash. A situation that calls for a sustainable solution.

Thermoplastics
Unlike thermosets, thermoplastics are reusable. Thermoplastics first take on a melting form when heated. This makes them deformable again and suitable for reuse or a new application, for example for 3D printing, possibly combined with CNC milling.

Circularly produced models, plugs and moulds
Produced plugs are used once, produced moulds during one product series.

3D printing with thermoplastics offers the solution for this. Models, plugs and moulds printed with recyclable/recycled thermoplastics and any milling waste are processed after use into granules that again serve as a raw material for new thermoplastics.

It is Nedcam’s mission as a market leader in plugs, moulds and shaping technology to eventually replace the current production technique with this technology and thus to set up the entire chain, from raw material, product design to end product, in a circular way with 100% recyclable and/or bio-based materials.

Thermoplastics are difficult to categorize, but there are two recognized categories: amorphous and semi-crystalline thermoplastics. Both categories bring unique opportunities to rapidly produce innovative ideas through BAAM (Big Area Additive Manufacturing). These ideas can be applied in the variety of markets Nedcam is in.