Pioneering 3D Printing at Saint-Gobain

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Experience the pioneering advancements in 3D printing at Saint-Gobain, the French manufacturing giant that has been at the forefront of integrating this technology into its diverse operations. From creating bridges and houses to custom tooling for factories, Saint-Gobain recognizes the immense potential of 3D printing and additive manufacturing in revolutionizing production processes and promoting sustainability. Learn about their concrete 3D printing factory in the Netherlands, where they have fabricated full-scale construction components and even set a Guinness World Record. Explore the innovative ways Saint-Gobain has applied 3D printing in the automotive industry, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With their commitment to embracing this cutting-edge technology, Saint-Gobain sets an inspiring example for other industries to follow in harnessing the power of 3D printing.

Table of Contents

Overview of Saint-Gobain’s Approach to 3D Printing

Exploring applications for 3D printing in diverse operations

Belief in the potential for sustainable and efficient production processes

As a manufacturing giant, Saint-Gobain has always been at the forefront of innovation. It comes as no surprise, then, that the company has taken a proactive approach to integrating 3D printing across its diverse operations. From printing bridges and houses to custom tooling for factories, Saint-Gobain sees great promise in 3D printing and additive manufacturing as a means to enable more sustainable and efficient production processes.

Saint-Gobain recognizes that 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize the way we manufacture goods. By embracing this technology, the company is able to explore new applications and push the boundaries of what is possible in various industries.

Saint-Gobain Weber’s Concrete 3D Printing Factory

Opening of Europe’s first concrete 3D printing factory

Capabilities of the industrial-scale 3D concrete printer

Projects completed using the printer

Concrete Design Masterclass for architecture students

In 2019, Saint-Gobain Weber opened Europe’s first concrete 3D printing factory in Eindhoven, Netherlands. This state-of-the-art facility houses an industrial-scale 3D concrete printer capable of fabricating full-scale construction components. The printer has already been used to complete multiple projects, including bridges, houses for the Milestone project, and even a 12-meter-tall structure that earned the company a Guinness World Record.

In addition to its production capabilities, Saint-Gobain Weber also runs an annual Concrete Design Masterclass for architecture students. Through this program, students gain hands-on experience with concrete 3D printing and other novel construction methods. They collaborate with textile companies to make molds and cast their own concrete models, further expanding their understanding of the possibilities of 3D printing in construction.

Collaboration with Urbastyle for 3D Printed Concrete Benches

Customizable and lightweight yet durable designs

Advantages of 3D printed concrete for landscape furniture

Saint-Gobain Weber’s expertise in concrete printing has attracted the attention of Urbastyle, a landscape furniture maker. Together, they have developed 3D printed concrete benches that are both customizable and lightweight yet durable. This collaboration showcases the potential of 3D printing in creating unique and functional designs for outdoor furniture.

The advantages of 3D printed concrete in landscape furniture are numerous. Not only does it allow for intricate and customized designs, but it also offers lightweight options that are easier to transport and install. Additionally, 3D printed concrete is highly durable, making it a great material choice for outdoor applications.

BCN3D Printers at Saint-Gobain’s Glazing Plant

Adoption of BCN3D printers to enhance manufacturing efficiency

Printing of custom tools, jigs, and fixtures

Transition from external machine shops to in-house production

Saint-Gobain’s glazing plant in L’Arboc, Spain has embraced 3D printing to enhance their manufacturing efficiency. By adopting BCN3D printers in 2019, the plant has been able to print custom tools, jigs, and fixtures used in their automated glazing lines. This shift from relying on external machine shops to in-house production has resulted in significant cost savings and a reduction in lead times.

The ability to 3D print custom tools, jigs, and fixtures allows Saint-Gobain to tailor their production processes to their specific needs. This level of customization and flexibility helps improve overall efficiency and productivity, ultimately leading to better products and satisfied customers.

R&D Tax Credits and 3D Printing

Benefits of 3D printing for R&D Tax Credits

Inclusion of wages, hardware, and software costs as eligible activities

One of the notable benefits of 3D printing for companies like Saint-Gobain is its eligibility for Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credits. The now permanent R&D Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes, and/or software. 3D printing can boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits in multiple ways.

Wages for technical employees involved in creating, testing, and revising 3D printed prototypes can be included as a percentage of eligible time spent for the R&D Tax Credit. Additionally, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software into existing processes qualifies as an eligible activity. Lastly, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process can also be recovered if used for modeling and preproduction purposes.

By taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits, companies like Saint-Gobain can further incentivize their investment in 3D printing technology and innovation.

Conclusion

Saint-Gobain’s pioneering role in 3D printing

Integration of 3D printing into established industries

Saint-Gobain’s proactive approach to 3D printing integration showcases the company’s pioneering role in this emerging technology. From concrete construction to glazing, Saint-Gobain has explored innovative uses of 3D printing across its operations. By embracing 3D printing, the company has been able to improve manufacturing efficiency, create unique designs, and realize cost savings.

The integration of 3D printing into established industries like construction and manufacturing highlights the transformative potential of this technology. As Saint-Gobain continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with 3D printing, they serve as an inspiration and model for other companies seeking to explore the benefits of additive manufacturing. The future of manufacturing is being shaped by companies like Saint-Gobain, who are willing to embrace new technologies and find creative solutions to age-old challenges.