As a major player in the global lock manufacturing industry, ASSA Abloy, has successfully employed 3D Printing at to revolutionize their processes of manufacturing. Today, the company is at the forefront of secure identification, producing everything from advanced lock systems and automated doors to identity control systems.
ASSA Abloy unlocks potential with 3D Printing
Navigating the challenges of adopting a new technology is one thing; convincing others to embrace it is another. ASSA Abloy, a titan in the global lock manufacturing industry, has achieved this with success at one of their Swedish locations, employing 3D Printing to revolutionize their processes.
With a history dating back to 1881 in Eskilstuna, Sweden, ASSA Abloy has grown from its humble beginnings into a global giant with operations in 70 countries. While many know the company for the keys that dangle from their keychains, ASSA Abloy has evolved far beyond mere locks.
Today, the company is at the forefront of secure identification, producing everything from advanced lock systems and automated doors to identity control systems.
The key to success
Leading the way is a principal Sven Åsbo embodies. As a mechanical engineer and Innovation Manager at ASSA Abloys unit in Landskrona for more than 12 years, he´s played a pivotal role in reshaping the design process through 3D Printing.
“Testing ideas swiftly is my philosophy,” Åsbo explains. “It will never be perfect if you just sit and try on your computer. Previously, outsourcing prototypes would delay us by up to a week. And sometimes, multiple iterations and prototypes are needed. We had to find a faster solution.”
After careful consideration, the team invested in a state-of-the-art 3D printer, the 3DSystems ProJet 2500+. Though it was a significant investment, Åsbo’s calculations and illustrations on speed-to-market and cost savings made it the best and most convincing choice.
“I looked at many different models before choosing this one. It came down to that every engineer can manage their own printing tasks, where no special competence is needed.
It also stands out for not requiring excessive time for maintenance or post-processing, which is a necessity with some techniques. That´s why we choose ProJet 2500+.”
“We can print the truth”
The impact of 3D Printing on ASSA Abloy’s design process has been transformative. Prototyping, which once required a lot of adjustments and lengthy timelines, is now a fluid and dynamic process.
“We can print the truth, or at least as close to the truth as we can get” Åsbo notes, highlighting how 3D Printing has enabled them to refine and realize designs with unprecedented precision and speed.
This approach has proven valuable in numerous situations, not least when a prototype speedgate presentation to management was jeopardized by missing parts.
“We decided to print the missing components ourselves. We designed them in a 3D CAD software and after a couple of minutes we could print the parts, get them painted and add them to the prototype,” Åsbo recounts.
After printing and applying the parts to the prototype, the team was able to have everything ready in time for the important presentation. Something that wouldn’t have been possible without a 3D printer in-house.
Beyond engineering
The success and utility of 3D Printing have echoed throughout ASSA Abloy, not only within the Swedish organization. In ASSA Abloys Finish counterparts, they decided to make the same investment in a 3DSystems ProJet 2500+.
“It often begins with a problem that needs solving,” Åsbo says. “We have saved production a couple of times when someone realized that the parts can be 3D printed”.
When reflecting upon it, Åsbo says that the 3D printer has made a return on investment, ROI, not only in financial terms but also in fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving.
“The real value lies in the time saved and the ease of selling an idea,” Åsbo concludes.
Through the adoption of 3D Printing, ASSA Abloy has not only streamlined its design and prototyping processes but has also cultivated a spirit of innovation that permeates the entire organization. In doing so, they continue to unlock new potential, securing their place as pioneers in their field.
ASSA Abloy’s Printing Solutions:
3D Printer: 3DSystems ProJet 2500+
Material: ABS-like clear performance plastic, VisiJet Armor M2G-CL
Usage: Prototyping
