Key points
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is an innovative technology that enables the manufacture of complex components layer by layer from a computer model.
Originally used primarily for prototyping, today it is revolutionizing diverse industries. That is largely due to the fact that it can create high strength and durable components fast without the need for costly moulds or long production runs.
In this new case study, we discuss a specialist project request from a customer who required transferring nanocomposites used in stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing with a peristaltic metering pump.
An Aggressive 3D Printing Process
The customer had to circulate very aggressive, high-performance composite ceramic resin from a reservoir tank to a 3D printer.
The pump would need to operate continuously whenever the SLA machine was idle. During this time, it would need to:
- Strain out any residue of cured resin to provide for free running
- Prevent ceramic filler settling by vacuuming from the tank bottom
- Operate at low shear to maintain fluid quality
- Be self-priming and easy to automate for start/stop operation and for flow control
Preserve Precious Nanocomposite Resins
At a cost of between £50 and £75 per litre for nanocomposite resins, the client emphasised the necessity of keeping the fluid intact to prevent expensive waste.
Constant movement of the fluid at low shear was critical to keep the fluid from hardening. Avoiding solid waste and keeping the mixture consistent would mean each printed part would have few defects and not need to be discarded.
Having noted we also had experience in pumping nanocomposite materials, the client made a consultation inquiry.
The Client's Research
Prior to calling us, the client has done some research on our website and seen the AMP16 control pump. They wanted to know whether it was feasible to apply the same controlled peristaltic pump technology on a greater system.
The AMP16 is known for reliability in the measurement of shear-sensitive, viscous and particle-laden fluids and lends itself to the metering of high-performance products like nanocomposites.
Our Pump Selection Process
Being the UK's leading independent pump supplier with over 25 years of industry expertise, North Ridge Pumps are better placed than anyone else to advise on the most suitable pump solution—rather than offering off-the-peg options.
Here, we recommended the FMP30 peristaltic pump, a larger system with the same intelligent control features as the AMP16.
Why the FMP30 Was Ideal
The FMP30 is for automated low-maintenance fluid transfer and has a sophisticated control interface allowing users to:
- Batch control fluid flow and auto-shut off after dosing
- Monitor current flow rates
- Reverse flow and control speed
- Calibrate flow based on fluid viscosity
- Monitor operating hours for maintenance intervals
It also features a built-in hose leakage sensor, which will automatically shut down the pump upon rupture—avoiding fluid loss. Once normal hose wear is established, the system can be programmed to alert the operator before failure. For example, if a hose tends to wear out after 2,000 hours, a warning will trigger appropriate replacement in time.
Final Specification and Benefits
The given FMP30 system has the ability to pump between 468 and 1,637 litres of ceramic nanocomposite resin hourly at pressures of 8 bar or less. It has:
- 1.25″ quarter connections
- 0.75kW motor for consistent operation
- Natural rubber hose with increased abrasion resistance
- Integrated hose rupture detection and automatic shut-off
This protects valuable resin while providing consistent quality for 3D printed products.
Are you looking for more control over your process, to reduce chemical use or move over to automation? Speak to North Ridge Pumps – we’ll be happy to help.
North Ridge Pumps
- 01773302660
- sales@northridgepumps.com
- http://www.northridgepumps.com
- North Ridge House 3 Chrysalis Way Eastwood Nottinghamshire NG16 3RY GB
About us
North Ridge Pumps are an independent manufacturer and distributor of pumps. Having been established since 1998, we have a vast array of experience having become accustomed to supplying pumps for most processes.
We work within a range of industries both UK and Internationally, specifying pumps for a wide variety of applications from the transfer of corrosive and aggressive chemicals, to dewatered sludge, viscous grease, resin, glues, food and Seawater.
Our pumps range from standard centrifugal and multistage pumps, to immersed and process overhung solid handling pumps. We also supply a wide range of positive displacement pumps including Vane, Piston, Progressing Cavity and Peristaltic enabling us to specify more than one solution for your application, but also ensuring the majority of applications remain within our reach.
We offer the following services:
Technical support – We know at times pump selection is difficult. Pump selections are made with confidence by technical sales engineers who understand your process, ensuring equipment is engineered beyond your needs.
To select the correct technical solution for your requirement, longevity of design is prioritised. If there are existing issues you need assistance with, we work with you to solve these which could be high maintenance costs, frequent service periods, repeated equipment breakdown leading to lost revenue, inconsistent flow rates, clogging or where pumped product is inconsistent.
Application experience – Due to our 20 years of application experience we work with you to ensure our pumps operate according to your desired application. Our experience means we have most likely provided a solution for a similar process previously. With proven results, we know how to achieve your outcome sooner.
As our pumps are completely configurable, we design pumps with materials according to your requirement, and to your required duty point. Pumps are engineered specifically for your process whether they be baseplate mounted, within a mobile frame or in kit form with couplings, hoses, and dispensing nozzle.
Industry knowledge – We have a thorough understanding of a range of industries through experience from supplying the offshore oil and gas market, to paper mills, chemical plants and food manufacturers to name a few.
We not only understand the importance of downtime but also what each process requires and how small design improvements specific to the nature of your industry and application can reduce downtime, facilitate maintenance and improve longevity.
If you have a process or application you require a pump for, or a process which requires improving, get in touch to see how we can help.
What we do in a nutshell
Pump Specification & Supply
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