A look back at the SUSTAIN-3D community event: advances and post-processing challenges in metal additive manufacturing.
The SUSTAIN-3D community met for the third time on 23 October, this time at ENSAM Lille. The event, organised in partnership with the CEA and with the support of I-TRANS, brought together major players in additive manufacturing (AM) to discuss the latest technological advances and challenges in the field. Here's a look back at the highlights of the day.
Opening by ENSAM: Focus on metal additive manufacturing
ENSAM introduced the event by presenting its activities in additive metal manufacturing (AMF). The ADAM and WAAM technologies at the heart of their work are integrated into an overall training and research process. The school also highlighted its Learning Factory Evolutive project, an innovative learning environment designed to develop digital twins of manufacturing processes, thereby enhancing the industry's adaptability to technological change.
CEA presentation: Post-processing and finishing in additive manufacturing
The CEA gave a presentation on the post-processing and finishing of 3D printed parts, crucial steps in improving the quality and appearance of parts. The presentation detailed various post-processing methods, such as polishing and coating, while comparing the specific features of metal and polymer parts. This presentation provided a better understanding of the challenges of finishing in the production process, a key stage in the industrialisation of 3D printing.
ENSAM again: Metallurgical post-treatment for WAAM
A second presentation from ENSAM explored the metallurgical post-treatment of parts produced using WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) technology. Emphasis was placed on the importance of heat treatment in optimising material microstructures and final mechanical properties. The presentation also presented a more direct approach to assessing the hardenability of materials, with the aim of simplifying or eliminating certain post-processing steps.
LISI AEROSPACE: Additive manufacturing for the aerospace industry
LISI AEROSPACE shared its expertise in end-of-range management in metal additive manufacturing, with a focus on the aerospace sector. LISI highlighted critical processes, such as substrate removal, machining rework and quality control, which are essential to ensure that parts comply with the strict standards of these industries. Concrete examples of post-processing of aeronautical parts currently in production illustrated the presentation, highlighting the performance and safety requirements of the principals.
The tour of the ENSAM workshops that followed the presentations provided an opportunity to find out more about the ENSAM / VALLOUREC collaboration on WAAM technology and to see a metal additive manufacturing robot in operation, coupled with its digital twin.
The SUSTAIN-3D project: The innovation community around additive manufacturing
The event is part of the SUSTAIN-3D project, an Interreg-supported initiative that will run until February 2025. The project aims to create a network of local partners to meet the challenges of additive manufacturing, helping businesses to innovate and become familiar with these technologies. The action plan launched in 2024 includes:
- Disseminating technical knowledge about additive manufacturing.
- Support for companies in their innovation projects in the field of additive manufacturing.
- A technology testing service prior to investment.
Other actions are planned for 2025, such as the organisation of a cross-border event on additive manufacturing and sustainability, or the development of a new range of services, including the use of a POLLENpellet printer for innovative projects.
In conclusion, this meeting provided an opportunity to learn more about the processes and issues involved in additive manufacturing, while strengthening the collaborative dynamic between the players in the sector. With the ambitions of the SUSTAIN-3D project, this community continues to play a central role in the development of this technology in Hauts-de-France and beyond.