On behalf of a client, the Deutscher Technologiedienst is looking for research institutions/experts to cooperate/collaborate on research and evaluation of potentials incl. execution of feasibility studies in the fields of:

A) “Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing – evaluation and identification of potentials in design of components and products taking into account the advantages of additive layer manufacturing techniques focusing on polymer applications.“

B) “3D Food Printing – evaluation of potentials of additive processing / manufacturing of foodstuffs and meals“.

Background and description

(Keywords:  Additive  layer  manufacturing  technology,  generative  manufacturing  techniques,  3D  printing,  product  design, functional integration, multi-material, polymer technology, 3D food printing, additive/generative processing of foodstuffs)

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have been used in the field of rapid prototyping for many years. New technical advances lead to first application of AM in some areas of mass production, mainly for processing on metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics and composites. The effective use of the full potential of this technology is challenging for companies which are focusing on traditional manufacturing techniques, since the efficient design for AM processes requires new skills, know-how and creativity.

A unique application of AM technologies is the additive manufacturing/processing of foodstuffs and meals (“3D Food Printing“), as is its use in medical applications.

Detailed description of the required experts / research institutes

In this case and on behalf of a client, the Deutscher Technologiedienst is looking for research institutes and/or experts with proven expertise in the field of additive manufacturing for polymer applications and/or foodstuffs. The aim of this search is to identify suitable partners for research and evaluation of potentials incl. feasibility studies for the field of ”domestic appliances“ (“white goods“).

A) Required profile of institutes/experts in the field of “additive manufacturing”

Proven expertise in the field of additive manufacturing / 3D printing incl. product design and functional integration for additive manufacturing processes considering the specific advantages. Ideally:  experience  in  the  transfer  of  the  design  of  products/components  from  traditional manufacturing (injection molding) into design for a competitive AM manufacturing process. Knowledge of  the state-of-the-art related to AM techniques as  well as  the medium/long-term prospective developments.

Objective: Research and evaluation of potentials of the additive manufacturing technology based on today’s products or components considering the AM specific advantages (functional integration, geometric complexity…), including feasibility studies and cooperation on the development of strategies for the future (functional models, calculation…).