Fan polymer platform
- Partners: Arkema, CESI, 3 D&G, Demgy, Francofil, INSA Rouen Normandie (GPM), MSC Scanning, NAE, NES 3D, and Polyvia Formation
- Call for projects: Support for collaborative innovation
- Project budget: €5.9 million
- CESI budget for the project: €481,000
- Project launch: October 3, 2023
- Project duration: 36 months
Faced with rapid technological change, the complexity of materials, and growing skills requirements, embracing additive manufacturing is a strategic challenge for regional competitiveness. The project has three main objectives: to strengthen research and innovation, to develop skills in Normandy, and to bring together regional stakeholders. To achieve this, 24 research projects will be carried out around four themes: raw materials and finished products, process robustness, finishing operations, and recycling and life cycle. The platform will also implement actions to promote the adoption of additive manufacturing, in particular through awareness-raising activities, support for access to partners’ skills and equipment, as well as the promotion of existing training courses and raising awareness among young people about the jobs of tomorrow.
Achievements as of March 31, 2025:
Finishing operations – Studies, analyses, and experiments on post-treatment processes related to additive manufacturing:
The state of the art shows that parts manufactured using Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) often exhibit high roughness and surface defects requiring post-processing to meet functional, mechanical, and aesthetic requirements. Several finishing techniques exist, but few studies have examined their specific impact on MJF polymer parts, particularly in terms of durability, fatigue, and environmental effects.
The study evaluated the impact of different treatments on PA12 test specimens produced using the MJF process, analyzing their effects on roughness and mechanical properties. Three types of treatments were applied: aggressive sandblasting for varying durations (5, 10, and 15 minutes), heat treatment by immersion in hot water at different temperatures and durations, and tribofinishing performed for varying durations. Microscopic observations were used to characterize surface roughness and analyze microstructural changes. The objective was to determine the optimal parameters for improving the strength and ductility of the material, while controlling roughness and stiffness.
Recycling, life cycle – study on the recovery of waste related to the use of additive manufacturing:
The study aimed to compare the feasibility of integrating recycled plastic from 3D printing using two processes: FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) and FGF (Fused Granulate Fabrication).
Mechanical tests were conducted on test specimens printed using FFF and FGF, using both virgin and recycled material. The results show that the mechanical properties of recycled materials remain broadly similar to those of virgin materials, with sometimes even superior performance, particularly in terms of deformation at break for the FGF process using recycled material.
Microscopic analyses reveal that materials made from recycled granules have a lower porosity rate and better interlayer cohesion than those made from filaments, which partly explains their good mechanical performance. Finally, this study confirms the technical feasibility of using recycled plastic in FFF and FGF processes, while emphasizing the need to control feed and processing parameters, particularly for pellets made from crushed waste.
Inform, raise awareness, unite: the role of open innovation in the adoption of additive manufacturing in companies
A state-of-the-art review was conducted to better understand the context and related issues. This analysis identified 14 major barriers limiting the adoption of additive manufacturing in companies. At the same time, 19 potential levers linked to open innovation were identified that could facilitate the integration of this technology.
The next step in the project is to conduct interviews with professionals in the sector. These discussions will identify the specific barriers encountered in the practical implementation of additive manufacturing, as well as gather concrete examples of open innovation levers already used or considered by companies. The results of these interviews will then be analyzed to better understand the dynamics at play and to formulate appropriate recommendations to promote the adoption of additive manufacturing.
In this context, it is currently necessary to find volunteer companies that would be willing to devote an hour of their time to participate in an interview.