BMS Circuits is optimizing its production flow by incorporating 3D printing
All Circuits group is an electronics subcontractor that designs electronic boards for the automotive, medical and retail sectors. Its Bayonne site, BMS Circuits, which is more specifically responsible for medium and large series, has invested since the end of 2020 in 3D printing with fused material deposition to produce prototypes and end-use parts, which are installed on workstations. operator work. Accompanied by French distributor Atome3D, so BMS Circuits was able to reduce its manufacturing times and costs, while several designs were tested and validated. 3D printing has become an integral part of business today, it’s a work tool that teams can’t do without.
The Methods department of the Bayonne site is the driving force behind this investment, the department in charge of the industrialization of the products. Its manager, Jules Cote, was already familiar with 3D printing and was quickly convinced of all its advantages. He explains: ” I am aware of Atome3D and have chosen to invest in a machine for the service. To invest, you need to convince management of the benefits of the technology. It’s pretty quick because when you look at the prices of what can be done with machining and the prices that we’ll have in-house with 3D printing, the machine pays for itself very quickly.. Many of the components used by BMS Circuits were in fact subcontracted, extending manufacturing times. Thanks to 3D printing, teams can make some of these parts directly in-house and significantly reduce the time between design and receiving the object. For example and on average, it takes a week to make a machining part versus 2h20 with a 3D printer. And on the price side, in machining, the teams are on average around 200 euros per part against 10 euros in 3D printing.
BMS Circuits manufactures electronic boards (photo credits: BMS Circuits)
The choice of 3D printer was facilitated by the expertise and advice of Atome3D, according to the needs and specifications of the French group. It was absolutely necessary to respect the antistatic constraints in the workshop and opt for materials that meet them. In addition, the machine needs to be easy to use and quick to learn. This is why Atome3D recommends the M200 Plus from Zortrax, along with PLA-ESD material from 3Dxtech. It is a material that provides protection against electrostatic discharge. Jules Cote added: “ To make things easier, when we find a material that works well, we leave it on the machine and just run with that one at 90%. Our goal is to make it quick and easy. » The printer has been working in the workshop since October 2020, with very satisfactory results.
What parts are BMS Circuits 3D printed?
Currently, two large families of applications can be distinguished. First of all, the prototypes, which are made before they are turned into subcontracting factories. These are sensors, various tools, which have been tested, tested and possibly changed if necessary before the final production of aluminum. Thanks to 3D printing, teams can afford a greater margin of error. Bayonne’s site designer says: ” I drew the part and the next day the part was in my hands. The subcontracting loop is longer because you have to go through an estimate, a manufacturing time, get all the detailed plans, it’s more time.. »
Finally, 3D printing allows teams to design all parts put into production directly, whether for tooling, tooling or even parts where little mechanical resistance is needed, where there is little friction, but has good resistance over time. BMS Circuits creates components that are used in the life of the workstation, such as butt clamps, for example, which make it possible to reattach two coils of electronic components with one staple more easily and quickly.
3D printed splicing pliers (photo credits: Atome3D)
The integration of 3D printing in the company
The Zortrax M200 Plus is currently used by 4 people inside, making it easier to manage priorities and planning. They were all trained directly by Jules and quickly mastered the printing process. Teams can also count on the support of Atome3D in case of technical problems, a point that is particularly appreciated at BMS Circuit which emphasizes the responsiveness of the French distributor.
The main thing that changed internally when the service incorporated 3D printing was the role of the designer. He had to learn new processes, a machine, settings that were not part of his responsibilities before. His design method has also evolved, taking into account the design rules specific to 3D technologies. This is a point where you should be vigilant when deciding to include 3D printing in your activity: who will manage the tool? How will it change the daily lives of employees? How, etc. ? Jules Cote also said that the teams have become very dependent on the 3D printer because it is constantly running and allows many projects to be carried out. Therefore, in case of failure or errors, it should be fixed very quickly.
Finally, the integration of 3D printing with BMS Circuits is greatly facilitated by Atome3D, which is very responsive and current. One of the advantages that the teams notice is the availability of parts from the distributor’s catalog, delivered in just 24 hours. This avoids having stock taking up space. Jules Cote concludes:
We are convinced by additive manufacturing and it is an important technological change that should not be missed as it develops and becomes more common. You have to get to 3D technology, but you have to do it the right way, that is, go with a partner and not go out alone and buy a machine and not know how to use it.
If you want to know more about the 3D printing solutions offered by Atome3D, go to Atome3D.com. In the meantime, you can find all our videos on our channel Youtube or follow us on Facebook where Twitter !
*Cover photo credits: BMS Circuits
