Known by the acronym DED ( Directed Energy Deposition ), 3D printing with directed energy deposition is an additive process with great development potential. The strength of this technique, which is based on the deposition of molten material using concentrated energy, lies in its ability to cope with the limitations of powder-based techniques.
By using Wire-Laser technology, as with the Meltio system, industrial processes show a high degree of efficiency in the rapid production of large and reliable metal components. An additional advantage of this 3D printing process, which interests us today, is the possibility of repairing damaged parts.
It was this possibility that convinced Sivó , a Spanish company specializing in the repair of glass molds, to adopt Meltio's DED multi-laser technology. To learn more about the advantages this technology brings, Primante3D interviewed José Sivó , Additive Manufacturing Manager at Sivó.
How did you become responsible for additive manufacturing at Sivó?
First, Sivó is a family business. That's why I work here. I have always been part of the company. For the past 15 years I have been running a mold repair shop and machining department. After acquiring the Meltio DED technology, we decided that I was the right person to lead this new division of the company.
Tell us more about the history and activities of Sivó.
Sivó was founded by my great-grandfather, Francisco Sivó Sanchez , in 1916. In the beginning, we were engaged in forging, making all kinds of tools and maintaining equipment, such as gates and doors. Many of those original works are still preserved.
The next generation, my grandfather José, started working in metal structures and industrial maintenance. In the mid-1990s, my father and uncles took over the business, and that's when the company began to diversify its activities.
It should be noted that my uncles and aunts make up nine brothers and sisters, seven of whom work in the company. Each of them runs a different division. We deal with industrial maintenance, aluminum and metal carpentry, as well as repair of molds for glass containers. Relatively recently, my cousin Abel and I took over part of the business as the fourth generation.
What is a glassware mold and how does it differ from other types of molds in the industry?
The mold for glass containers is used to produce the bottles that we all have at home. The main difference compared to other types of molds, such as plastic injection molds, is the material they are made of. This type of mold is made of cast iron , and then the joints are metallized to make them much harder. That is why they are bimetallic molds .