MANSUS x AMGTA Mini-Series Episode 3 Martin Neff, ARBURG

The MANSUS x AMGTA mini-series continues to explore the solutions, stories and potential of additive manufacturing (AM). In Episode 3, we spent time with Martin Neff, Global Sales Director of ARBURG on the show floor at Formnext 2024.

You can catch up with Episode 1 where Sherri Monroe, Executive Director of AMGTA shared her insights on AM’s role in sustainability and innovation. In Episode 2 Björn Hannappel Head of Sustainability at EOS talked about design innovation, digital value chains, and materials. The series continues to explore real world solutions, emphasizing how AM can drive environmental and commercial progress.

In this episode Martin talk about ARBURG Additive, a subsidiary of ARBURG GmbH. Known for its expertise in injection molding, ARBURG GmbH has been a leader in machine building for decades. Over the past ten years, the company has expanded into additive manufacturing, integrating its proprietary injection molding technology into the AM sector. Martin shares how ARBURG is leveraging its expertise to make AM more sustainable.

ARBURG Additive’s Approach to Sustainable Manufacturing

ARBURG Additive’s machines stand out by using standard industrial pellets, certified for sectors like medical and aerospace. This allows manufacturers to maintain industry standards while reducing waste.

ARBURG has also developed an open-system approach, enabling the use of various materials, including recycled ones. Martin showcased an aerospace application where decommissioned aircraft interiors, which are usually sent to landfills, are shredded, reprocessed, and used to manufacture new parts. "We reuse the material completely and get a new material which we can also be use in aerospace," Martin explained. This not only cuts waste but ensures high-quality output.

Reusing High-Performance Polymers

A prime example of ARBURG’s efficiency is its work with ULTEM 9085, a flame-retardant polymer widely used in aerospace. Traditionally, its support material, which is essential for this type of 3D printing, becomes waste. ARBURG changes that by regrinding and reusing it. "We go ahead and we re-grind that... and you can reuse that three times," Martin noted, highlighting both cost savings and sustainability benefits.

The Future of Biodegradable and Bio-Based Polymers

Beyond recycling, ARBURG is exploring biodegradable and bio-based polymers. "New materials get developed which are biodegradable or which are bio-based," Martin said, referencing cornstarch-based options. The challenge is ensuring these materials maintain strength and reliability. ARBURG’s open-system approach allows for processing these new materials effectively, making them viable alternatives.

Collaboration: The Key to Sustainable Innovation

Martin stresses the need for collaboration in sustainability. "You need to have experts from each area." Industry-wide cooperation accelerates progress, and Martin credits AMGTA for fostering this collaboration. "It is very important to learn from each other, exchange information, and see what can be done to get to that more sustainable approach."

Additive Manufacturing: for a More Sustainable Operation

Martin highlights how AM reduces waste, optimizes material use, and improves product functionality. "You manufacture on-site exactly that capacity you need to have. You save materials in regards to lightweight to get more functionality into a part. Additive is a great tool to help that."

Martin emphasized AM’s role in lowering CO2 footprints and increasing efficiency. "When we look at sustainability, that means the global or total footprint of CO2 for manufacturing is a factor, but also the products themselves. And when you get more functional integration, you might also reduce some number of products. And all that together helps with the sustainability aspect of manufacturing in general. Additive can be a great tool to pass those goals faster."

At MANSUS, we’re thrilled to amplify these critical conversations in collaboration with AMGTA to share how their members are pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation. You can watch previous episodes and follow the series on the MANSUS YouTube channel and on the AMGTA Learn & Discovery Page new episodes will be shared every Wednesday through March 5th.