Additive Manufacturing Inside an Aluminium Foundry
Winner
Excellence in Business to Business
Automotive Technologies
Details
Metalpres Donati S.p.A., an Italian aluminium foundry operating mainly in the automotive industry, with 70% of customers in Germany, has integrated additive manufacturing into its production. The project explores how 3D printing can support serial manufacturing by optimising tooling, prototyping, and small batches. This combination of die casting and additive technologies enhances flexibility, reduces lead time, and promotes innovation and sustainability in production.
The Jury‘s Statement
The manufacturing of aluminium components faces the challenge of responding flexibly and efficiently to changing requirements without compromising quality or sustainability. Metalpres Donati has taken a pioneering step by integrating additive manufacturing technology into an aluminium foundry, significantly supporting series production. By combining traditional die casting and 3D printing, new possibilities arise in toolmaking, prototyping, and small series production, which significantly shorten lead times and enhance innovative capabilities. This combination not only promotes flexibility but also contributes to more sustainable production. Thus, a forward-looking approach is created that makes aluminium manufacturing more efficient and adaptable.
