Printing parts on-demand saves time and reduces CO2 emissions

Traditionally, machine operators have had to face long waiting times for form and spare parts. That’s changing thanks to Additive Manufacturing Network from Siemens. Schubert Group subsidiary Schubert Additive Solutions GmbH, headquartered in Crailsheim, Germany, is now using the solution to pioneer a new business model. Parts can be printed directly on-site, cutting lead times by 90 percent and eliminating 80 percent of logistics-related greenhouse gas emissions.

With frequent changes of products and its packaging manufacturing lines have to be more adaptable than ever. A common task for operators is changing form parts to get existing machinery ready for new or altered tasks. Until recently, machine builder Schubert manufactured form and spare parts at its headquarters and shipped them to its customers all over the world. Thanks to a combination of various technologies – like additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing platforms – that’s changing.

Now, form and spare parts can be printed at the customer’s site. That slashes lead times by 90 percent and logistics-related greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent. And for Schubert, storage costs are greatly reduced.