Schneider Electric Optimizes Manufacturing Efficiency

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has been committed to optimize resources and enhance efficiency for over 100 years. At their smart factory in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the company focuses on producing high-quality electrical components, including the essential Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB), which ensures safe and reliable electrical systems by protecting circuits from overcurrents and short circuits. 

To streamline production and reduce lead times, Schneider Electric integrated Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technologies into their 3D printing farm a few years ago. In October 2024, the adoption of the INTAMSYS FUNMAT PRO 310 NEO marked a significant upgrade, enabling in-house production of key components and improving overall workflow efficiency.

By adopting 3D printing technology, the facility can now manufacture all the mechanical components required for its production line in-house. The FUNMAT PRO 310 NEO has played a crucial role in this transformation, primarily being used to print jigs and fixtures, which has significantly improved workflow efficiency. The 310 NEO is used with a wide range of materials, including PC, PA6, PA12, PPA, PA6-CF and PPS, enabling the production of durable and high-quality parts.

Prior to implementing the FUNMAT PRO 310 NEO, Schneider Electric faced inefficiencies due to conventional manufacturing methods and slower 3D printing solutions. Producing functional prototypes and custom parts took too long, often creating bottlenecks in the development process. Injection molding further extended lead times, sometimes delaying production for up to three weeks or longer. The company needed a faster, more reliable solution to accelerate part production and improve workflow efficiency.

Schneider Electric selected the INTAMSYS FUNMAT PRO 310 NEO for its high-speed capabilities, material compatibility, and industrial grade performance. With the ability to print parts in just two hours, compared to the 12 to 15 hours for the same part, the 310 NEO drastically accelerates production cycles.

The printer’s automatic bed leveling and heated chamber (capable of reaching 100°C) simplify setup and ensure consistently high print quality. The high chamber temperature is particularly advantageous for engineering materials like PC, preventing warpage in full-size prints and providing higher Z-strength for enhanced mechanical performance.

Additionally, its open material system provides flexibility to work with various materials, though Schneider Electric primarily uses INTAMSYS filaments due to their optimized profiles and superior print consistency.

IDEX Technology

The 310 NEO’s IDEX (Independent Dual EXtruders) technology enables Schneider Electric to print complex parts with multiple materials in a single print job. For example, the team designed a gripper with rubber-like properties to prevent parts from falling off production lines. By combining flexible TPU95A and structural PETG, they created a durable, high-quality component that facilitates smooth production.

Additionally, Schneider Electric uses IDEX technology to produce welding jigs with complex geometries for use inside their factory machines. By combining PA6-CF with soluble support material SP3030, they were able to create these parts in under six hours—far faster than traditional methods would allow.

Since integrating the FUNMAT PRO 310 NEO, Schneider Electric has seen a remarkable improvement in production efficiency. Key benefits included:

• Drastic Reduction in Print Times: Parts that previously took 12 to 15 hours to print can now be completed in just two hours, dramatically accelerating production cycles.
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• Shortened Development Cycles: The ability to print parts faster has enable the team to iterate and test jigs and fixtures much efficiently, significantly reducing development time and acceleratingprototyping and validation.

• Expanded Design Possibilities: IDEX technology enables the production of complex geometries with multiple materials, reducing reliance on traditional manufacturing methods and enabling more advanced designs and quicker prototyping.
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• Consistentand High-Quality Printing: Features like automatic bed leveling and a heated chamber ensure consistent quality and minimize the risk of errors during printing, resulting in high-quality parts with every job.
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• Cost and Resource Optimization: By bringing more production in-house, Schneider Electric has reduced outsourcing costs,improved material utilization, and enhanced operational efficiency.

The adoption of the INTAMSYS FUNMAT PRO 310 NEO at Schneider Electric’s smart factory in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, has significantly enhanced efficiency, flexibility, and cost savings. The integration of 3D printing technology continues to drive innovation in the production of electrical components.

With their Smart Factory certification, Schneider Electric plans to expand its 3D printing farm to further increase in-house production of components and spare parts, further reducing maintenance costs and improving self-sufficiency.

This success highlights the transformative potential of 3D printing in modern industrial environments, proving that how the INTAMSYS FUNMAT PRO 310 NEO can redefine manufacturing processes for greater efficiency and innovation.