REFISA began to create some of its tools and final parts through 3D Printing. Given the good results, they currently already have a 3D printer in their office to improve manufacturing processes, while reducing costs and manufacturing times.

About REFISA

REFISA is a company specialized in the manufacture of structures and parts for the automotive sector, especially for rail transport. With more than 30 years of experience, they offer personalized solutions through resistant and light materials that can be capable of manufacturing complete and personalized parts for each client. To achieve this, they always look for the most advanced technology on the market, positioning themselves as leaders in the sector.

The challenge: manufacture strong and lightweight parts

There are many components that make up a railway cabin, a console or a driving desk. Each piece counts, and its manufacture with resistant and light materials is a key factor for the correct operation of the vehicle.

For this reason, at REFISA they were looking for a new way of manufacturing their parts that was better than the current one: with a more agile procedure, with lighter results and with the possibility of carrying out tests until they found the perfect personalized part, of course, without having to discard more material than necessary.

The solution: Manufacturing with 3D printing

Previously, REFISA used to manufacture its parts through Subtractive Technology and a machining center (through molds and blocks of material). After contacting INTECH3D and assessing their needs, we discovered what type of 3D printing and materials were most suitable for their objectives.

• Applied 3D technology: Fused Deposition Modeling, FDM. (molten deposition modeling)
• 3D materials used: PLA filament (polylactic acid) and ABS filament (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)

Project results: Custom parts, in less time and at a better price, thanks to 3D printing

Thanks to the application of 3D printing in his company, REFISA has achieved his objectives: now he can manufacture his parts in a much more agile way, even in short series or on demand, from his own offices. The materials used for 3D printing also offer REFISA lighter and more resistant results. And of course, you can also fabricate different parts for trial and error until you find the structure that meets your exact requirements, without wasting more material than necessary, and making component function and performance requirements the primary design drivers.

REFISA has not only achieved its stated objectives, it has also found other benefits for its company: 3D printing allows them to reduce costs in their manufacturing processes, as well as reducing the manufacturing time of each piece. All of this translates into better performance and agility in the company's industrial chain.

From INTECH3D we are very proud to see how companies like REFISA achieve their objectives through technologies such as 3D printing. Thanks to their 3D printer, they can maximize their efficiency and continue to improve the manufacturing of their parts and structures. A complete technological advance, full of advantages for the final results of your pieces, with the aim of continuing to be leaders in your sector.

The INTECH3D 3D Consulting process

INTECH3D we are business advisers and consultants, in the field of the integration of additive production technologies in the value chains of companies. We take responsibility for the correct integration of the teams in the value chain of each company or business:

• Advice during the choice of the right technology
• Marketing of equipment, consumables and spare parts
• Training for the use of the necessary Hardware and Software
• Integrated equipment maintenance
• Official technical service for all products marketed

The INTECH3D technical team has more than 6 years of experience in various 3D printing technologies. We have different technologies and manufacturing materials with 3D printing, to cover the different technological or business needs of each sector:

• Conceptual prototypes
• Functional prototypes
• Final components
• Workshop tools
• Spare parts
• Short and medium production series.

It is also very important that all the departments of the same company know all the possibilities and benefits that 3D printing can bring to their sector:

• Risk reduction in manufacturing
• Reduced manufacturing costs
• Reduced manufacturing time
• Validation with a prototype before making an investment in final manufacturing
• Manufacture "on demand", without discarding material.
• Reduction of the "Time to Market" of the final product
• Manufacture of "Bridge" series to know its fit in the market
• Possibility of making short production series
• Elimination of time in the provision of Stock

If you want to apply 3D printing technology in your company or business, do not hesitate to contact us. We are at the service of companies for the immediate resolution of any doubt or query related to the use of the equipment.