Total Support on Additive Manufacturing

 by Rein van der Mast

Additive manufacturing (AM, also called 3D Printing) is a new approach to production that emerged at the end of the last century. Expert Rein van der Mast knows all the pros and cons of AM and helps others to apply this modern production concept in a profitable way. His main area of ​​interest is laser powder bed fusion in metal (PBF-LB/M).

Rein van der MastAlthough decades have passed and improvements have been made, the number of applications is still small. There are several reasons for this, like:

  • Most of AM is still unknown to many because too many people lack knowledge, experience and training.
  • If AM is incorporated into a traditional production chain instead of being fully integrated into it, the result is disappointing.
  • In case a traditional design lacks any optimization for AM, most of AM's potential remains unused.
  • The same applies to the related business, in which AM scores on 'high mix, low volume', customization, on-demand production of spare parts etc.
  • Most standards are based on conventional manufacturing methods, excluding AM due to its different basis.

Ir. Rein van der Mast (TU Delft) has been an AM expert since the mid '90s. He was the manager Design & Engineering of Additive Industries for a number of years, before becoming the research lead 3D Printing in Metals of Fontys University of Applied Sciences (part-time), today located at the Brainport Industries Campus (BIC). However, some may know him for his 3D printed fountain pens, including his invention of the 3D printed fountain pen nib (parent pending). He also supports young designers, including the internationally renowned fashion tech designer Anouk Wipprecht.

He is currently involved in several large research projects with other universities and (high-tech) companies, some of which he initiated. An example of this is a collaboration between the universities of applied sciences Fontys (Eindhoven), Saxion (Enschede) and Windesheim (Zwolle) specifically aimed at metal printing, called Industrial AM in Metals (IAMM), which also involves several Dutch and Belgian universities and high-tech companies. Another example is his current PhD research in Leuven at the AM Research Group under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ir. Brecht Van Hooreweder, supported by ASML, FMI, KMWE and Materialise.

In his current position, he is well aware of the latest developments and can identify new opportunities. So if you are considering AM, but unsure about its potential from a business perspective, Rein van der Mast is the expert to help you:

  • Lectures
  • Trainings/Masterclasses
  • Feasibility studies
  • Change management
  • Publications


  • Heat exchanger for Additive Industries, designed by Rein van der Mast
  • Hydraulic part for automotive application by Fontys students supervised by Rein van der Mast
  • Revitalized Sprocket Leopard 2A6 by laser cladding for NL MoD, co-initated by Rein van der Mast
  • Door handle designed by Rein van der Mast
  • Mold core designed by Rein van der Mast

Publications

SOLide
 SOLutions in design engineering
Mail comsolide-tct.nl
Phone +31 6 54637485