A milestone: Laempe delivers a 3D printing system to BMW and begins rolling out 3D sand printers
Laempe Mössner Sinto GmbH (“Laempe”), a leading global provider of solutions for core production, is expanding its portfolio with a groundbreaking innovation in the field of additive manufacturing. The company has successfully developed a fully automated, high-volume 3D printing system for sand core production and delivered it to the BMW Group’s foundry in Landshut. This milestone was achieved in collaboration with BMW and R. Scheuchl GmbH. The BMW Group is already using the technology to produce printed moulds for its new six-cylinder engine components. With this development, Laempe is positioning itself as the only manufacturer to offer a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for the evolving requirements of the foundry industry.
The six 3D printers supplied to BMW feature state-of-the-art automation, which eliminates the need for manual intervention in processes such as 3D scanning and core removal. The innovative technology, which has been production-ready since 2016, was developed at the Laempe Technology Centre in Schopfheim (Baden-Württemberg) and manufactured in Barleben (Saxony-Anhalt). Originally designed for foundries, the solution is now available for a wider range of market applications. With the successful integration of the 3D printing system at BMW, Laempe is officially launching the sale of its 3D printing solutions.
Laempe unveils the world’s most efficient 3D sand printer
Laempe’s 3D sand printers set new standards in efficiency with bidirectional printing and high-speed capabilities. Developed specifically for foundry applications, the printers comply with established industry standards whilst taking the entire value chain into account – from raw material storage and mould preparation through to printing, unpacking, cleaning and measurement.
A key advantage of Laempe’s 3D printers is their open system design, which enables customers to source raw materials from various suppliers rather than being locked into proprietary options. Furthermore, every single printer is designed for scalability, enabling seamless expansion into a fully automated solution at a competitive cost. This modular approach is unique in the market. To further boost efficiency, Laempe has developed the Laempe Printing Wizard software, a powerful tool that optimises slicing, scaling and morphing for print jobs.
Significant investment in innovation
The development of this groundbreaking technology required an investment in the mid double-digit millions, which was primarily financed through a partnership with the BMW Group, but also through substantial in-house funding from Laempe. Looking back on the journey, Mössner acknowledges the challenges that had to be overcome along the way:
“As with any project of this scale, there were uncertainties, challenges and unpredictable timelines along the way – together with the customer, we were able to resolve all these issues. Our special thanks go to our employees and the BMW Group for the successful outcome.”
BMW Group highlights Laempe’s innovation and efficiency
The BMW Group recognises Laempe’s outstanding technological achievements, particularly in the highly automated 3D printing line. The car manufacturer praises the system’s exceptional speed and the bidirectional printing process, which ensures both precision and efficiency. With its advanced automation, the Laempe system meets the high demands of large-scale production. This combination of cutting-edge technology and process stability delivers significant added value to BMW and strengthens Laempe’s position as a reliable manufacturing partner.
Mössner also highlights the wider impact of this innovation:
“With our innovative 3D printing technology, we expect that in future many more applications from traditional core shooting can be economically shifted to additive manufacturing. This enables us to offer our customers and partners a genuine competitive advantage and a forward-looking solution that will open up new growth opportunities for us. We are the only supplier that develops and operates both core shooting machines and 3D printers, and therefore have a precise understanding of the cost structures of both technologies.”
Hybrid core production: Maximum flexibility for foundries
Laempe’s innovative approach enables hybrid core production and offers foundries the flexibility to choose between traditional shot cores, additively printed cores or a combination of both. Furthermore, through its joint venture INACORE with R. Scheuchl GmbH, Laempe offers a pay-per-part model. INACORE, based in Ergoldsbach (Bavaria), has been operating both core shooting machines and a Laempe 3D printer for three years and supplies numerous customers with printed or shot cores.
About Laempe Mössner Sinto GmbH
Laempe Mössner Sinto GmbH is a global leader in core-making technology for the foundry industry and offers a comprehensive range of products and services relating to modern core production. The company, headquartered in Barleben/Meitzendorf in Saxony-Anhalt, is a full-service provider with a long-standing tradition of technical expertise.
With 350 employees, Laempe operates a state-of-the-art production facility in Barleben, as well as branches in Schopfheim (Black Forest) and Mannheim. Subsidiaries in Pune (India) and Beijing (China) strengthen the company’s global presence.
Further information can be found at: www.laempe.com.
Source: Tata Steel