3D Printing Obsolete Parts

We've talked before about 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, a technology rapidly coming into much greater prominence. Every day sees more developments, including producing components made from metals, plastics, and even diamonds. 3D printing is particularly valuable for recreating obsolete parts. 3D printing obsolete parts is a cost-effective solution that can keep old equipment running for much longer, and even improve its efficiency.

Why 3D Print Obsolete Parts?

Machines wear out, even if they were supposedly built to last. There's no clear way of determining how long a piece of equipment should last, but several factors contribute to its lifespan. These can include type and frequency of use, the materials it's producing or processing, the environment in which it's situated, and whether you carry out predictive maintenance.

The age-old practice when repairing equipment was to replace worn parts with spares, either from stock or purchased to order. But what if such parts are no longer available? With every passing year that your machinery continues to run, the likelihood of being able to obtain spares for it diminishes. At Rowse, we're experts in the sourcing of obsolete parts, but even we sometimes hit a brick wall. The process also takes time as we hunt down suppliers, so 3D printing obsolete parts is often a faster and more efficient solution.