3D Printing in Manufacturing: How Heineken Cut Tooling Costs by Up to 90%

3D Printing: A Game Changer

At Heineken's Seville brewery, innovation is at the forefront of their operations. By integrating the Ultimaker S7 3D printer, Heineken is revolutionising its production processes. This cutting-edge technology is not just a novelty; it's a practical tool that addresses real-world challenges in brewing. From creating custom parts to optimising manufacturing lines, the Ultimaker S7 is proving to be a game-changer.

Enhancing Production Efficiency with Ultimaker

The Seville brewery can produce up to 500 million litres of beer annually, but Heineken is always looking to push the envelope further. The Ultimaker S7 allows the brewery to enhance efficiency by creating precise, customised parts on-demand. This flexibility eliminates the need for lengthy waits for outsourced parts and reduces downtime significantly. The result is a smoother, more efficient production line that keeps the beer flowing without interruption.

3D printed functional replacement parts can be created without stock

Cost Reduction and Rapid Prototyping: A Winning Combination

One of the standout benefits of the Ultimaker S7 is its ability to reduce costs dramatically. For instance, the production of custom tools and parts has seen cost savings of up to 70-90%. Traditional manufacturing methods are often expensive and time-consuming, but with 3D printing, Heineken can rapidly prototype and iterate designs. This not only speeds up the production process but also ensures that the final products are optimised for performance and cost-efficiency.

3D printing enables Heineken to create custom quality check tools

Prioritising Safety: 3D Printed Solutions for Employee Wellbeing

Customised Tools and Functional Parts for Optimal Performance

Heineken optimised the conveyor belt bottle guide with 3D printed parts so that blockages are prevented

The Ultimaker S7 has enabled Heineken to create a variety of customised tools and functional parts that optimise the brewery's performance. For example, redesigned conveyor belt guides prevent bottle blockages and improve line efficiency. Custom maintenance tools, like stopper tools and toroidal rubber cutters, are now 3D printed, reducing production costs and delivery times drastically. These innovations make maintenance easier and faster, contributing to overall operational excellence.

Scaling Innovation: The Future of 3D Printing in Brewing

Parts are being developed and printed in Heineken's 3D Lab

The success of 3D printing at Heineken's Seville brewery has set the stage for broader adoption across the company's global operations. By sharing digital designs within its network, Heineken can produce parts on-demand at various locations, reducing reliance on external suppliers and minimising environmental impact. This scalability ensures that the benefits of 3D printing—such as cost savings, increased efficiency, and enhanced safety—can be realised on a global scale.

The Ultimaker S7 is not just a tool for today but a cornerstone for the future of brewing at Heineken. As the company continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies, it sets a precedent for the entire industry, demonstrating how traditional businesses can evolve and thrive in the modern era.

By leveraging the Ultimaker S7, Heineken is not only boosting efficiency but also paving the way for a more innovative and sustainable future in brewing.

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Link to original blog post: https://ultimaker.com/learn/heineken-ensuring-production-continuity-with-3d-printing/

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3D Printer 3D Printers Industrial 3D Printer Manufacturing UltiMaker