Linatech
Linatech optimises a component for a machine that handles blood samples
The result gives the company a taste for taking on more 3D printing
The company Linatech acts as an industrial partner in the B2B market, developing bespoke solutions for several different industrial segments, including manufacturing, logistics and process control. One of these segments is the pharmaceutical industry, where Linatech produces equipment for shipping and handling blood samples—and here, 3D printing is particularly well suited.
“A few years ago, we needed to develop new equipment for our portfolio, and at that time we were forced to do something different and think differently than before. That also meant that 3D printing was just around the corner, and it was a huge, revolutionary design freedom where the limitations that had existed before disappeared. It was an eye-opener back then—and it still is today,” says Martin Arberg, CEO and owner of Linatech.
And it was precisely the introduction to 3D printing, along with a specific challenge related to one of their blood-sample handling machines, that made participation in a programme at Dansk AM Hub perfectly timed and highly relevant for Linatech, as the programme focuses specifically on design optimisation for 3D printing technology.
Strength and weight were important factors
The challenge Linatech brought into the programme concerned a component that needed to be weight-reduced to achieve the desired effect. To meet that requirement, the first step was to explore opportunities to improve the design, resulting in an optimised polymer component that subsequently required surface treatment.
“We had a challenge regarding weight reduction of a component that has to rotate at 300 revolutions per minute, and where the component needed to be strong while also being lightweight. With 3D printing, it became possible to produce a part that was hollow to reduce weight while still having very high strength,” explains Martin Arberg.
Results from programmes with Dansk AM Hub
- Material and technology: Nylon printed with Laser Powder Bed Fusion
- Weight reduction: 81%
- Cost reduction: 42.8%
- Energy savings per year: 638 watts
Reducing weight—while maintaining strength
In addition to maintaining strength, Martin Arberg also highlights how the weight reduction delivers a positive benefit in the form of real energy savings when the machine is running. Moreover, 3D printing makes it possible to create advanced geometries—without additional cost.
“The reduction in weight is a clear energy efficiency improvement—for example, when you need to accelerate something up or down in speed. The less mass you have, the easier it is to keep in place, and the less energy you also need for braking and acceleration,” says Martin Arberg:
“Normally, it would take a great many hours, whereas with 3D printing you can create some incredibly advanced structures without it costing more. If, for example, it had to be machined in aluminium or another material, a similar component simply would not be feasible to produce—so the design freedom of 3D printing is brilliant.”
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About the company
Liantech
Diget 1, 8620 Kjellerup
Number of employees: 35
Innovative, make-to-order industrial company that embraces and combines design engineering, automation and metal fabrication
The message is clear: Embrace 3D printing technology
If, as a company, you are considering participating in a similar programme or generally expanding your horizons within 3D printing, neither Martin Arberg nor Linatech’s Technical Manager, Simon Paarup, has any doubt that the technology offers entirely new opportunities.
“As a company, it is necessary to broaden your horizons and not believe that you have already found the philosopher’s stone. Because then I am convinced you will be overtaken on the inside, as there are limitless possibilities with 3D printing,” assesses Simon Paarup.”
“I would also say at any time that if you start working with 3D printing, there is no going back, because the technology contributes as a strong benefit and an innovative input for a company—so you simply have to jump on board,” concludes Martin Arberg.
“I would also say at any time that if you start working with 3D printing, there is no going back, because the technology contributes as a strong benefit and an innovative input for a company—so you simply have to jump on board”
Martin Arberg
CEO and owner, Linatech
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