Getting a grip,
with 3D printing
The client
Sidel is a leading manufacturer of packaging equipment and services for various liquids. Part of the Tetra Laval Group, they specialize in handling beverages, food, and home and personal care products. Over the recent years, AC has been collaborating with Sidel to expand the application of additive manufacturing (AM) in business contexts. Our focus extends beyond the technology itself, aiming to address key business challenges such as enhancing market responsiveness, improving part availability, and facilitating the production of customized components. We excel in converting these challenges into tangible business benefits through the strategic use of printed parts.
Information
Client:
Sidel
Technology:
SLM – Selective Laser Melting
Material:
Stainless steel 316
Categorie:
Food & packaging manufacturing
The challenge
The bottle gripper is essential in Sidel’s high-speed processing machinery, handling over 50,000 bottles per hour and requiring customization to accommodate various bottle sizes. Sidel aimed to transform the complex multi-part assembly into a unified single piece, while maintaining compliance with all technical standards, including stress resilience, fatigue resistance, and reliable operation during emergency shutdowns.
Additive Center introduced a groundbreaking design that consolidated the gripper fingers, springs, and all related parts into one cohesive component. By employing generative design techniques for the initial form, the team then refined the design and its functionality using advanced simulation software. Given the component’s critical role, particular focus was placed on the additive manufacturing process to ensure the quality and reliability of the final product were upheld to the highest standards.
Original
The traditional manufactured part was machined, standardized, and assembled using 7 individual components. It features numerous small crevices that require thorough cleaning to remove dirt.
Redesign
The single part redesign significantly improves the hygienic performance, thanks to its smooth surface, which is superior to that of the machined version. Additionally, by incorporating feedback from maintenance managers, the new gripper design has been optimized to reduce both maintenance and assembly time.
The advantages
Reduced costs
We reduced the production costs by half.
One part
Consolidated the design and supply chain from 7 parts down to 1.
Increased productivity
Extended service lifetime of the gripper enhances productivity.
Easier to clean
The unique rounded top surface ensures better part cleanability.
Visual Infographic: A Guide to how we made the Sidel Gripper
This detailed and informative infographic visually represents the various stages and steps involved in our comprehensive project. From the initial planning and research phases to the implementation and evaluation processes, each step is clearly outlined and illustrated, providing a valuable and easy-to-understand overview of the project’s progression.
