As a leader in innovation BOBST is constantly adopting new technologies. Responding to customer needs, BOBST delivers selected spare parts using additive manufacturing methods.

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, are processes that create a physical object from a digital design, bringing digital flexibility and efficiency to manufacturing operations. Additive manufacturing are technologies that grow three-dimensional objects by adding material in super-fine layers, one at a time. The technologies allow for manufacturing of complex objects in one go, including what otherwise would need to be milled or carved away to create the shape. The part is constructed from a CAD drawing, and it allows for rapid manufacturing and delivery.
Recently an Asian customer, who had acquired an EXPERTFOLD 110 with installation in December 2019, decided to enhance the machine’s gluing capacity with an additional tank, after the delivery of the machine. The part had to be customized and traditional manufacturing would be both complicated and delivery time would take long. It was therefore decided that the part should be manufactured using additive manufacturing.
“We are efficiently building our additive manufacturing capabilities at BOBST. Innovation is at our heart and the new technologies and methods are bringing benefits to our customers, and additive manufacturing are also increasing our R&D and Supply chain capacity”, says Tim Lair, Additive Manufacturing Engineer at BOBST.
It took 3 weeks from decision to use additive manufacturing to delivery of the part for installation on the machine. Implying that the customer can quickly get the enhanced capability of the gluing device and a more efficient production can be obtained.
“The additive manufacturing program team is attracting new talents with a background in bio engineering and material engineering and we can clearly see how their competencies are being cross-fertilized with the long-standing reputable mechanical engineering competencies at BOBST”, continues Tim Lair. ”The future for additive manufacturing is looking promising and I am certain that we continuously will find even more ways to make use of these technologies and other innovative ones.”
Additive manufacturing cannot only be used for manufacturing of spare parts with shorter delivery time, but it can also be used for engineering of parts with complex design, and to provide parts for older machines when traditional manufacturing is no longer available.
“Combining new technologies and digital capabilities is in the core of our vision of shaping the future of the packaging world, says Julien Laran, Head of Services at BOBST. We are confident that we will be able to provide our customers with enhanced services, both physical and digital, that support the development of the industry.”

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