3D-printed lead screws as a replacement in spooling textile machines

• What was needed: A cross-threaded lead screw that was easy to procure and cost-effective with good sliding properties
• Manufacturing method: Laser sintering with SLS powder
• Requirements: Good sliding properties, fast and cost-effective individual part manufacture
• Material: iglide® i3
• Industry: Automotive
• Success through collaboration: 50% savings thanks to additive manufacturing and better sliding properties

For a winding machine, Conti Tech Schlauch GmbH needed a cross-threaded spindle  that ensures that the thread is laid directly or by means of thread guidance through the groove. The solution previously used necessitated the regular replacement of individual components, which were difficult to obtain and were also cost-intensive due to the complicated geometry of the cross-threaded spindle.

The igus 3D printing service offered an alternative that was quick and economically efficient, even for individual components: the cross-threaded spindle is now made of iglide i3 and produced by means of additive manufacturing. The company has been able to reduce its costs by around 50 per cent, as the classic method of manufacturing the complex geometry of the cross-threaded spindle was more expensive by a factor of 2. The sliding properties of the replacement parts were also improved due to the use of iglide.

iglide i3 is a laser sintering polymer and the most frequently used material in additive manufacturing at igus. It has an excellent coefficient of wear and is also very strong. The iglide i3 SLS powder contains solid lubricants, as a result of which additional lubrication is not needed for the printed components. 
 
The manufacture of replacement parts, single parts and series made of iglide i3 takes place within one to three days and is possible from a batch size of 1 without any surcharge. Ordering is quick and uncomplicated via the online 3D printing service, whereby prices and delivery time can be determined immediately and without previous registration.