Avant Tecno - The optimization project opened the eyes of designers

Mar 11

"We carried out a redesign of the hydraulic block for Avant Tecno together with Enmac Oy. The aim was to produce a proof-of-concept and prototype of a 3D printable product as well as a simplification of the product. With the new manufacturing method, the weight of the block was reduced to less than one tenth and the number of parts dropped from 33 to one.

The part was 3D printed with AlSi10Mg aluminum and achieved significant advantages over the original part. The part fits into a considerably smaller space than before due to the reduced size and optimized hose outlets. The coarse filter is also 3D printed into the structure, which is also cleanable. Time and money are also saved with shorter assembly times and reduced warehousing and logistics costs. In many cases, these are overlooked in the cost comparison when looking only at the purchase price of the components."

New thinking

In addition to the benefits listed above, the time taken to complete the project is worth mentioning. It took 3 weeks from the first meeting for Avant Tecno to use the new optimized product. However, the price of a component made by 3D printing is too high to think of its use in mass-produced loaders. The project and getting to know the new technology was still worth it. Although the 3D printed product did not end up in Avant Tecno loaders, it did experience a change. The new way of thinking led to the fact that, now the component is made of aluminum extrudate and it is misleadingly reminiscent of 3D printing.