kAeMu - Qualification of employees in Bavarian small and medium-sized enterprises with regard to additive manufacturing

Project background

Additive manufacturing processes, also known colloquially as "3D printing", enable the production of highly complex and integrative components thanks to their layered structure These components are used, for example, in motorsport, the energy sector, medical technology, aerospace and special machine construction The high potential of additive manufacturing processes therefore enables a reduction in resources and component costs, which in turn ensures competitiveness for the future. The basis for this has now been developed in many research projects, as a result of which many additive manufacturing processes have already completed the paradigm shift from prototype processes to series production processes.

An examination of the current applications and previous implementations of additive manufacturing technology in the industrial and commercial environment shows that there has been a significant increase in the number of components produced in recent years A truly broad application and exploitation of the potential is currently only taking place to a limited extent, which can be attributed to at least the following reasons, especially in the SME environment:

• Lack of knowledge regarding the correct use of this innovative technology
Inhibitions regarding accessibility to this technology
• Non-existent network that can help with implementation

Project objective

This project aims to achieve an intensive and holistic transfer of knowledge from Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences to Bavarian employees with the following content

• Intensified dissemination of the potential and possibilities of additive manufacturing processes
• Removal of any misconceptions and gaps in understanding in the field of additive manufacturing processes
• Activating employees in companies to consider these technologies
• Networking individual companies such as system manufacturers, service providers, material manufacturers and users

Project procedure

The knowledge required for this is to be passed on at five knowledge transfer events, which are held annually with varying content The content is discussed again with the participants in advance at the network meetings so that the best possible knowledge transfer can take place The following workshop topics, for example, were identified in initial discussions:

Component identification, economic and legal aspects
• Construction
• Process chain
• Digitization and interlinking
• Implementation and setup of production

Innovation

The kAeMu project is innovative because it gives small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bavaria practical access to additive manufacturing (AM) - a technology that often involves high barriers to entry. By setting up a knowledge network and targeted workshops, the project helps companies to reduce misunderstandings, integrate AM into their processes and increase their competitiveness. It supports the transition from prototype to series production and enables industries such as aerospace, medical technology and special machine construction to reduce costs, use resources more efficiently and develop new business models. In the long term, kAeMu strengthens Bavaria as a business location, secures skilled workers and drives innovation in industrial manufacturing.