A look back at the SUSTAIN-3D community event: Advances and post-processing challenges in metal additive manufacturing.

The SUSTAIN-3Dcommunity gathered for the third time on October 23, this time at ENSAM Lille. Organized in partnership with the CEA and with support from I-TRANS, the event brought together key players in additive manufacturing (AM) to discuss the latest technological advances and the challenges facing the field. Here’s a look back at the highlights of the day.

Opening remarks by ENSAM: Focus on metal additive manufacturing

ENSAMkicked off the event by presenting its activities in the field of metal additive manufacturing (FAM). ADAMand WAAM technologies, which are central to their work, are integrated into a comprehensive training and research program. The institution also highlighted its Evolutive Learning Factory project, an innovative learning environment aimed at developing digital twins of manufacturing processes, thereby enhancing the industry’s adaptability to technological changes

CEA Presentation: Post-processing and Finishing in Additive Manufacturing

The CEAgave a presentation on the post-processingand finishing of 3D-printed parts, crucial steps for improving the quality and appearance of the parts. The presentation detailed various post-processing methods, such as polishing and coating, while comparing the specific characteristics of metal and polymer parts. This presentation provided a better understanding of the challenges of finishing in the production process, a key step in the industrialization of 3D printing.

ENSAM Again: Metallurgical Post-Processing for WAAM

A second presentation by ENSAM explored the metallurgical post-processingof parts produced using WAAM(Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) technology. The focus was on the importance of heat treatment in optimizing the microstructures of materials and their final mechanical properties. The presentation also introduced a more direct approach to assessing the hardenabilityof materials, with the aim of simplifying or eliminating certain post-processing steps.

LISI AEROSPACE: Additive Manufacturing for the Aerospace Industry

LISI AEROSPACEshared its expertise in end-of-processmanagement in metal additive manufacturing, with a focus on the aerospace and defense sectors. LISI highlighted critical processes—such as support removal, machining rework, and quality control—which are essential for ensuring that parts comply with these industries’ strict standards. The presentation was illustrated with concrete examples of post-processing for aerospace parts currently in production, highlighting the performance and safety requirements of the customers.

The tour of the ENSAM workshops, which followed the presentations, provided an opportunity to learn more about the ENSAM/VALLOUREC collaboration on WAAM technology and to see a metal additive manufacturing robot in operation, linked to its digital twin.

The SUSTAIN-3D Project: The Innovation Community for Additive Manufacturing
The event is part of the SUSTAIN-3D project, an initiative supported by Interregthat will run through February 2025. This project aims to create a network of local partners to address the challenges of additive manufacturing by helping companies innovate and become familiar with these technologies. The action plan launched in 2024 includes:
– Dissemination of technical knowledgeon additive manufacturing.
– Supportfor companies in their AM innovation projects.
– A technology testingservice prior to investment.
Other initiatives are planned for 2025, such as organizing a cross-border event on additive manufacturing and sustainability, or developing a new service offering, including the use of a POLLENpellet printer for innovative projects.
In conclusion, this event provided an opportunity to deepen knowledge of the processes and challenges related to additive manufacturing, while strengthening the collaborative dynamic among industry stakeholders. With the ambitions of the SUSTAIN-3D project, this community continues to play a central role in the development of this technology in Hauts-de-France and beyond.