Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - April 2023 - 29

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING FEATURE
Deere 3D-prints fuel valves for
TRACTORS
John Deere's small and midsize
tractors, including the new 6R series,
feature 3D-printed metal fuel valves.
HP's binder jetting technology and GKN's manufacturing expertise helped John
Deere realize its first 3D-printed metal part for mass production.
by Ryan Gehm
H
P launched its new commercial Metal Jet S100 Solution in
September 2022 and two months later showcased the 3D
printer for the first time publicly at the Formnext exhibition
in Frankfurt, Germany, along with a new John Deere production
application. Together with GKN Sinter Metals, John Deere is
using the Metal Jet technology to produce thermal diverter valves
in the fuel system for its small and midsize tractors assembled in
Mannheim, Germany.
" Our focus on innovation and sustainability is at the core of everything
we do for our customers, " said Dr. Jochen Mueller, manager
global digital engineering at John Deere. " We are proud to be among
the first in the agricultural industry to leverage the benefits of 3D
printing for both prototyping and final-parts production. Leveraging
industrial 3D-printing platforms for polymers and metals, we are discovering
opportunities to deliver more efficient, reliable and sustainable
equipment. "
John Deere also is leveraging HP's Multi Jet Fusion technology to
optimize its production process, using 3D-printed prototypes to test
and fine-tune components such as windshield holders. The result is a
reduction in pre-assembly from 30 to 10 days, in delivery times by up
to 10 weeks, and overall production costs by 20 to 25%.
HP says its thermal inkjet printheads significantly improve printing
speed, part quality and repeatability - making mass-produced 3D
metal parts a viable option for commercial manufacturing. The advanced
latex chemistries developed by HP benefit the binder itself,
the company claims, enabling stronger " green parts, " eliminating the
need for de-binding and yielding industrial production-grade quality.
The process, called binder jetting, can boost productivity tenfold,
while the use of metal powders is more cost-effective than laserbased
3D-printing powder, according to Ramon Pastor, global head
and general manager of 3D metals at HP Inc.
" Since announcing the breakthrough Metal Jet technology in 2018,
we have been working to develop the industry's most advanced
TRUCK & OFF-HIGHWAY ENGINEERING
" 3D-printed metal parts are
a key driving force behind
digital transformation
[in manufacturing]. "
- Ramon Pastor, HP Inc.
commercial solution for 3D metals mass production, "
Pastor said. " 3D-printed metal parts are a key driving
force behind digital transformation [in manufacturing]. "
From prototypes to production parts
John Deere factories have employed additive manufacturing
(AM) for more than two decades, 3D-printing
thousands of tools, jigs and fixtures each year to improve
its processes and enhance ergonomics. AM also
is an essential part of product development at the
manufacturer's design center for small and midsize
tractors in Mannheim, Germany, Mueller said.
" Our internal 3D-printing capabilities allow our designers
to easily test their ideas and verify their concepts
at a very early stage within the development process, "
Mueller said, citing a reduction in design and test
iterations as a benefit. " Additionally, more agility is unlocked
along the product lifecycle from development to
manufacturing, and finally, service-parts supply. "
The company envisions a " digital warehouse " where
spare parts can be 3D-printed on demand, reducing
the need for physical warehousing space and the number
of parts in stock.
April 2023 29
JOHN DEERE
Truck & Off-Highway Engineering - April 2023

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