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Prosilas: Success at the Best Value Award Marche 2023

Jan 19, 2024 | News Prosilas, Senza categoria

Work Ethic and Sustainable Growth Recognized in the ‘Lupo’ Category

The 6th Best Value Award Marche 2023, organized by Imprenditore Smart and held at the Confindustria Ancona headquarters, celebrated the excellence of companies in the Marche region in sustainable corporate value creation.

Among the awardees, Prosilas stands out, securing the fourth position in the ‘Lupo’ category, acknowledged for its consistent growth over five years, highlighting remarkable work ethic and adaptability to challenges

The Award

The Imprenditore Smart team recently held the 6th edition of the Best Value Award Marche 2023 at the Confindustria Ancona headquarters, an initiative expanded regionally to recognize the top 45 companies in corporate value creation.

Since 2018, a comprehensive research effort has been underway to identify and reward companies that have excelled in creating and increasing their corporate value in a healthy and financially sustainable manner.

best value award premiazione proislas stampa 3d

The award is divided into four categories based on the company’s valuation range for a fair comparison: Lion (valuation over 100 million euros), Tiger (valuation between 50 and 100 million euros), Panther (valuation between 10 and 50 million euros), and Cheetah (between 5 and 10 million euros). In this edition, Prosilas achieved the fourth position in the ‘Lupo’ category.

Introduced in 2021, the ‘Lupo’ category specifically recognizes companies that have consistently increased their value over a five-year period.

Prosilas: A Team of Wolves

Founded on more than just economic value, Prosilas focuses on the team’s work ethic and its ability to adapt and face daily challenges. The Prosilas team has been recognized and rewarded for its proactive attitude and strong collaborative spirit in the category symbolized by the animal representing great strength and adaptability to change – the wolf.

The award has brought immense satisfaction and joy to the entire staff, interpreting this significant achievement as positive feedback for their daily efforts and confirmation of being on the right path, ensuring the well-being of the company and its employees. The award will undoubtedly serve as an additional motivation to preserve the progress made and consistently strive to operate in a peaceful and fulfilling environment.

From idea to prototype in 4 months, Bimota streamlines times and costs for its motorcycles with Prosilas’ 3D printing.

Jan 12, 2024 | Case History, News Prosilas

Bimota + Prosilas Case History

Thanks to Prosilas’ additive manufacturing, the Rimini-based company develops new high-performance models within a few months. This cuts down both time and costs, resulting in absolute excellence on the road and the track.

Bimota is the historic motorcycle manufacturer, founded in Rimini in 1973. Over the years, the company has undergone various changes and evolutions, leading to its revival through the acquisition by Kawasaki Heavy Industries: 49.9% in 2019, eventually increasing to 100% at the beginning of 2023. Now, Bimota can rely on Kawasaki’s technology supply, including engines, and its sales network.

“We started designing the new Tesi H2 right away: carbon bodywork and a supercharged, high-performance engine with the highest category performance, boasting 230 horsepower for the Euro 4 version and 200 for the Euro 5,” confirms Pierluigi Marconi, Bimota’s technical director. “However, we soon encountered an unforeseen obstacle – the Covid pandemic and the need to work from home. It turned out to be an opportunity to change our approach and design the entire motorcycle in 3D, opening up a range of interesting possibilities.”

Pierluigi Marconi , Bimota Tecnical Director. Tesi H2 and KB4

In the Bimota workshop, the prototype of the Tesi H2.

From 12 to 4 months for the prototype.

Having the 3D model of each part of the motorcycle is undoubtedly advantageous because it allows for virtual testing and evaluating the actual correctness of certain decisions made by the designer on the screen.

However, “there still comes a time when you have to touch the pieces, assemble them, and understand how they behave to determine if the choices made are correct,” adds Marconi. “In the past, it was necessary to manually create clay prototypes, from which rapid molds for fiberglass had to be constructed. A costly and laborious process, whose results were not always precise.

Now, with the 3D files available, we have the opportunity to have them printed through rapid prototyping services: this is how we got to know Prosilas.”

From the idea to the first exhibition mockups, it is possible to reduce the timeline from approximately 12 to 4 months, with a clear reduction in associated costs. Once the validity of the project is confirmed, the production of equipment begins. Marconi continues, ‘The development proceeds very quickly, the fine-tuning of components takes a few weeks, and a 3D-printed prototype is obtained from the file within a couple of days.

We check if the geometries and modifications are correct or if further adjustments are needed. In this case, it is sufficient to send the file back to Prosilas to obtain the new printed piece for testing. Typically, with a couple of iterations, we achieve the best possible result. Previously, mold adjustments were necessary, a very costly activity: at best, it required some modifications, and sometimes even a complete remake.”

The Bimota staff with the prototype of the Tesi H2

Track testing with the Tesi H2

Prosilas’ 3D printing also works on the track.

For a company like Bimota, the result is evident in on-track testing: “When you book a test day and organize the trip for some engineers from Japan,” explains Marconi, “you cannot afford a component delivery failure. A test day can cost us tens of thousands of euros, and today, no one is willing to squander such an investment.”

Therefore, it is necessary to find a partner capable of producing even the most complex components, which are challenging to develop solely based on fluid dynamics simulation. The multiple variables at play, such as air temperature or flow direction, make it more practical to design a high-quality 3D file for practical testing on the road

And this is where Prosilas’ rapid prototyping proves reliable and valuable. “Once we designed some body parts and ducts, we obtained the printed pieces in a day and tested them,” explains Marconi. “The use of Nylon loaded with glass fiber (PA12 GF) is ideal in terms of mechanical strength and resistance to high temperatures. Some parts are indeed very close to the exhaust system or radiators and need to endure for a long time, providing us with useful data to understand if we are on the right track. Additionally, it is a material that does not deform, a very useful characteristic when used for the coupling of body parts.”

Tesi H2 marked the beginning of a path entirely dedicated to 3D for Bimota. With the KB4, featuring an appealing Vintage Inspired appearance, Prosilas’ additive manufacturing allowed, for example, the creation of a complex air duct system. TERA, the latest addition from the Rimini manufacturer, stood out at the last edition of EICMA – Milan, thanks to two exclusive kits, which will soon be updated with additional aerodynamic appendages.

Frontal view of Tesi H2 and KB4

The respect for established timelines

For Bimota, the initial experience with 3D printing was not immediately positive. “We had worked with suppliers who sent us deformed components, out of tolerance, some even delaminated,” admits Pierluigi Marconi. ‘So the benefits of rapid prototyping were nullified because if you have to intervene on a piece and it doesn’t perform as expected in tests, you can’t know if the fault lies with the design, the material, or the printing. Also, for this reason, in my opinion, the cost factor is secondary: spending 10% less but having parts that do not meet our expectations means wasting money. The same goes for delivery times: if I cannot rely on a supplier, it means it’s the wrong one. When we met the Prosilas staff, on the other hand, we immediately noticed a great attention to our needs and the challenges of our work.”

Another critical detail is related to timelines: while prototyping allows for a reduction in development times, it also demands that the supply chain be absolutely reliable. Another challenge that Bimota and Prosilas have overcome together. “Prosilas is the most accurate and punctual suppliers we have ever had,” concludes Marconi. “We provide them with the file, and we get a delivery timeline that is crucial for us, as we base subsequent activities on it.”

Render 3D Bimota KB4

Pierluigi Marconi e his staff

A future full of challenges for Bimota

Now that Bimota designs new models in 3D and leverages the additive technology of Prosilas, both the time and cost of the process have undergone a significant reduction. The company remains in constant search of new ideas and solutions to make further advancements in every aspect: from the performance of their motorcycles to the reduction of development budgets, always keeping an eye on overall timelines.

The expertise and guidance from Prosilas experts can once again prove to be the winning strategy to achieve desired results and solidify Bimota’s success in the market

How vapor smoothing improves the quality of 3D-printed parts

Jan 3, 2024 | News Prosilas

Vapor Smoothing in 3D Printing: Optimizing the Performance of Printed Parts

In the world of 3D printing, the quest for methods to enhance the performance and aesthetic appearance of produced parts is a constant endeavor.

Among the various post-production techniques available, vapor smoothing stands out for its effectiveness in imparting new properties and significant improvements to printed parts.

How does the vapor smoothing process work in SLS 3D printing?

The process takes place within a processing chamber, where a series of chemical agents, selected based on the material of the part, act on the 3D-printed surfaces, making them uniform and smooth to the touch.

This system can simultaneously treat hundreds of parts, ensuring a consistent treatment for all products within the working chamber.

The potential

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Vapor smoothing is a post-production process primarily applied to 3D-printed parts to enhance their surface finish, strength, and aesthetic appearance.

This technique offers several advantages, including:

Surface Finish Improvement: Surfaces of 3D-printed parts can exhibit irregularities and porosity due to the 3D printing process. Vapor smoothing acts to eliminate these imperfections, providing surfaces with a smooth and uniform finish.
Glossy Surfaces: One of the most appreciated features of chemical smoothing is its ability to give parts a glossy and shiny finish. This not only enhances the aesthetic appearance of the parts but also makes them more appealing for applications where appearance matters.
Porosity Removal: Surface porosities can compromise the strength and durability of 3D-printed parts. Vapor smoothing can reduce or completely eliminate these porosities, thereby increasing the strength and lifespan of the parts.
Improved Strength: Through the application of specific chemical agents, chemical smoothing can enhance the resistance of printed parts to liquids, chemicals, and mechanical stress. This makes them more suitable for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance: The smooth and uniform surfaces obtained through vapor smoothing simplify the cleaning and maintenance operations of printed parts, reducing the time and costs associated with these activities.

Applications and Advantages

Vapor smoothing finds application in a variety of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and consumer industries. Parts printed through 3D printing technology can undergo this process to achieve optimal performance and a high-quality appearance.

This treatment represents a crucial step in the post-production process of 3D-printed parts. Thanks to its numerous advantages, this technique enables the production of parts with optimal performance, impeccable surface finishes, and increased durability.

For anyone involved in the production of 3D-printed parts, chemical smoothing emerges as an option to consider in ensuring the success of their projects and meeting the needs of clients.

TPU: A Flexible Material for the Industry

Dec 30, 2023 | News Prosilas, TPU - SLS Material

TPU, 3D SLS material, meets any industrial applications

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a fundamental element in industrial production with additive technologies, especially in the realm of 3D SLS printing applications.

At Prosilas, we take pride in working with BASF Forward AM‘s TPU88A, providing solutions in both white and black colors, and opening the doors to a wide range of industrial applications.

Datasheet

tpu materiale per parti industriali stampate in 3d

Characteristics of TPU 88A

TPU is a material that emulates rubber and is widely appreciated for its flexibility, strength, and elasticity.

Its workability allows the creation of parts with exceptional mechanical properties, making it ideal not only for prototypes but also for mass production.

Productive Collaboration with BASF Forward AM

The collaboration between Prosilas and BASF Forward AM has yielded significant results, such as the Skeleton Sole for Philipp Plein, the Lube Volley case study, and the validation of lattice structures printed in Ultrasint® TPU88A for the Ultrasim® software.

These projects exemplify a commitment to innovation and experimentation in the industrial field.

Properties and Industrial Applications of TPU

l poliuretano termoplastico (TPU) non è solo ideale per prototipi, ma si presta anche perfettamente per la produzione in serie con le tecnologie SLS.

Automotive

TPU excels in strength and rigidity, making it ideal for applications requiring a robust and durable structure. In the automotive industry, it is used for components such as gaskets, tubes, and mountings, where strength and integrity are essential to ensure optimal long-term performance.

Industry

Its chemical resistance makes it valuable in environments exposed to aggressive chemical agents. In the industrial sector, TPU is employed in gaskets, mountings, and machinery equipment, where resistance to chemical agents is crucial for the durability and efficiency of the equipment.

TPU maintains its performance over time, ensuring stability and reliability even under prolonged usage conditions. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for industrial applications that demand long-term durability, such as gaskets and seals for industrial machinery.

Medical

3D printing with TPU allows for parts with exceptional detail resolution, ensuring precision in shapes and contours. This property is crucial in sectors like the medical industry, where precision is essential for prototyping and components for medical devices such as corrective insoles and prosthetic coverings.

The biocompatibility of TPU makes it safe for contact with the skin, making it ideal for medical applications like prototypes for medical devices and components for final devices, where safety and compatibility with the human body are crucial.

Sportswear

Due to its high impact resistance, TPU is widely used in protective devices such as cranial remodeling helmets and equipment for the sports industry, ensuring reliable and durable protection in potential impact situations.

Post-process treatments

The versatility of TPU also extends to the various finishes applicable to 3D-printed parts.

Among these, painting, coloring, vapor smoothing, and various types of coatings. From untreated finishing to steam chemical smoothing, TPU adapts to the aesthetic and functional needs of industrial applications.

Design tolerances in 3D printing

Dec 5, 2023 | News Prosilas, Tips & Tricks

Tips & Tricks: What are design tolerances?

Exploring design tolerances in SLS 3D printing

Design Tolerances

Let’s continue our journey into the world of tolerances, this time delving into the concept of design tolerances.

What are they, and how should they be managed? In this exploration, we will unveil the crucial role of tolerances in engineering, design, and the production of mechanical components.”

Watch the full video

Why using tolerances?

The use of tolerances is a common practice in various industries, and their role becomes particularly evident in ensuring the flawless coupling of components.

But what exactly are design tolerances?

When designing or manufacturing a component, achieving precise dimensions in every unit produced can be a challenge.

Materials, subject to variations in temperature and other factors, can expand or contract. This is where tolerances come into play, defining the limits within which a specific dimension can vary without compromising the functionality of the part.

Prosilas Contribution

At Prosilas, our expertise in manufacturing processes, tolerances, and materials allows us to provide valuable input during the design phase.

Our targeted advice supports engineers and designers in achieving optimal results, ensuring the proper functioning of the parts

Managing Tolerances in 3D Printing

When dealing with the 3D printing of two parts intended to mate, recommended tolerances typically range around one-tenth to two-tenths of a millimeter. These targeted specifications ensure precise mating/fitting, eliminating potential issues of unwanted play.

If the component involves movable sections or joints and requires integrated printing, suggested tolerances increase to around three-tenths of a millimeter.

This distance takes into account the presence of unsintered powder between surfaces and the heat generated by the machine, preventing unintended fusions between moving parts.

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