3D printing (additive technologies) in Russia

Main Article: 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing)

2023

Russia's largest robotic installation for 3D printing of buildings launched

The Moscow Region manufacturer of laboratory and medical furniture "Labromed" has installed one of the largest robotic installations in Russia for three-dimensional printing of the building. This was announced in mid-October 2023 by the press service of the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Science of the Moscow Region. Read more here.

How the Russian military uses 3D printing in the creation of ammunition

On August 3, 2023, it became known that the Russian military in the current geopolitical situation is actively using advanced technologies to constantly increase the effectiveness of military operations. This, in particular, is about using the 3D printing method to create ammunition for unmanned aerial vehicles.

According to the Izvestia newspaper, the work is being carried out on the basis of a strictly classified laboratory. The projectile body is printed on a 3D printer - the process takes several hours. In addition, laboratory specialists manufacture shanks, suspensions and other weapons. New samples are sent for testing. The accuracy of the discharge and detonation of the ammunition is usually checked for small purposes - only after that the development is launched into mass production.

In the current geopolitical situation, the Russian military is actively using advanced technologies to constantly increase the effectiveness of military operations

It is said that the improved ammunition is equipped with stabilizer shanks with unique aerodynamics. This design provides vertical flight, thanks to which the projectile goes strictly along the planned trajectory - even in strong winds. During combat operations, the drone flies to the enemy's positions, after which the operator presses the button to drop the ammunition - the grenade flies from the suspension of the drone hovering over the enemy.

In addition, the Russian military uses captured equipment in their own interests. So, Ukrainian drones, which remain in good condition after a forced landing, reflash, refine and use during combat missions.

During the technological confrontation, Russian shells have seriously improved their firing statistics: while our ammunition detonates with each hit, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have two gaps for five launches, "Izvestia was told in a secret laboratory.[1]

The first Russian software for 3D printing made of metal was created in St. Petersburg

Specialists of Peter the Great Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg created the first Russian software for a 3D printer working with metals. Oleg Panchenko, head of the Laboratory of Light Materials and Structures of SPBPU, shared this news with TASS in June 2023. Read more here.

An advanced training program on additive technologies has opened at the Moscow Technical School

"Moscow Technical School" (MTSh) together with the Russian University of Chemical Technology named after D.I. Mendeleev (RCTU) opened advanced training courses in the direction of "Additive Technologies." This was announced on April 11, 2023 by the head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy of Moscow, which is part of the Complex of Economic Policy and Property and Land Relations of the capital, Vladislav Ovchinsky. Read more here.

The region's first center for industrial 3D printing is being created in the Far East

Rusatom-Additive Technologies (RusAT) and the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) have agreed to create the first center for additive common access technologies (TsATOD) in the Far East, where students will be able to engage in research and practical work in the interests of oil refineries, ship repair, aircraft building and shipbuilding enterprises. The press service of the university announced this in mid-March 2023. Read more here.

An educational course on additive technologies opens at the Moscow Technical School

Specialists of the Moscow Polytechnic University have prepared three training modules on additive technologies for professional retraining of metropolitan engineers. The training will be held within the framework of the Moscow Technical School (MTS) project. This was announced on March 7, 2023 by the head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy, which is part of the Complex of Economic Policy and Property and Land Relations of the capital, Vladislav Ovchinsky. Read more here.

2022

The "Prototype Factory" has been launched in Moscow, which will help create and test product samples using 3D printing

The Moscow innovation cluster has opened the Prototype Factory service for novice entrepreneurs, scientists and startups. As part of the service, companies will receive assistance in the development of design, design documentation and the production of a laboratory prototype or the manufacture of parts from any materials - from plastic and polymer to gypsum and metal. Participants and partners of the Moscow Innovation Cluster from any region of Russia can use the service. This was announced on December 21, 2022 by the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the city of Moscow. Read more here.

Center for Additive Technologies tripled 3D printing of parts for aircraft engines

For incomplete 2022, the Center for Additive Technologies (CAT) increased 3D printing of parts for aircraft engines by almost 3 times (by 179%) compared to 2021. The press service of Rostec (this state corporation includes the CAT) announced this on December 9, 2022. Read more here.

A cluster of 3D printing and industrial design has been created in Moscow

A cluster of 3D printing and industrial design has been created in Moscow. It will include 35 organizations, according to the official website of the capital's mayor on November 8, 2022. Read more here.

Skoltech achieves the world's best quality of laser polishing of metal parts after 3D printing

Researchers from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology and the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI have created the most effective (compared to existing analogues in the world) method of laser polishing complex-shaped metal parts made on a 3D printer, such as prosthetic joints. The advantage of the technology is that it can simultaneously eliminate both surface roughness and porosity of deeper layers of metal. This became known in September 2022. Read more here.

Specialists of the capital's enterprises will be able to improve their qualifications in the direction of Additive Technologies of the Moscow Technical School

Specialists of the capital's enterprises will be able to improve their qualifications in the leading universities of the city in the direction of Additive Technologies of the Moscow Technical School (MTSh). You can undergo training in 26 educational programs, this was announced on June 23, 2022 by the Complex of Economic Policy and Property and Land Relations of Moscow from the words of Deputy Mayor Vladimir Efimov. Read more here.

In Russia, created a new method of 3D printing complex structures for aircraft and cars

In early April 2022, it became known about the creation in Russia of a new method of 3D printing of complex structures for aircraft and cars, as well as equipment in the field of heavy engineering.

According to TASS, citing the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, the Perm National Research Polytechnic University has developed a methodology for designing parts with a complex internal structure at PNIPU. At the same time, their shape and internal structure are developed for specific production conditions. Using mathematical algorithms, scientists optimized parts and designs so that products were lighter, stronger and more reliable than analogues.

In Russia, created a new method of 3D printing complex structures for aircraft and cars

According to the developers, modern 3D printing capabilities allow you to create parts with the structure and properties of materials that change in the volume of the product. In addition, it is possible to obtain structures with a cellular structure that will provide unique material properties. Most often, one metal is used for this. Researchers in the new work have proposed a methodology that will help create effective products simultaneously from several materials. And it will automate the technological process of their design.

Thus, two materials in the same structure can have different elasticity, strength and weight. Therefore, it is important to create a rational structure that can effectively withstand loads. To do this, scientists used multimaterial topological optimization algorithms. The design methodology also identified zones suitable for the formation of a cellular structure, with part of the part filled with continuous material and the other part filled with cells.

Scientists analyzed the mechanical behavior of cellular structures of various types and identified possible limitations in the manufacture of products using additive production methods. As a result, they confirmed the effectiveness of the use of cells in complex designs.^[2]

A unique method of 3D printing of titanium products has been developed in Russia

In March 2022, it became known about the creation in Russia of a new unique method of 3D printing of titanium products. The scientific group of the Laboratory of Light Materials and Structures xxSt. Petersburg State Polytechnic University (SPbPU) of Peter the Great 'St. Petersburg Polytechnic University]] has improved the technology of melting electrodes and is now counting on its mass use.

For electric arc growth of titanium products in 3D printers by March 2022, another method is most often used - a non-consumable electrode, in which the wire is supplied "from the side." However, this process configuration limits its usability in printing complex form designs.

In March 2022, it became known about the creation in Russia of a new unique method of 3D printing of titanium products

The melting electrode method is more convenient, but is rarely used due to the low stability of the 3D printing process when using titanium wire. Russian scientists have significantly increased the stability of arc burning and material transfer in the manufacture of titanium products using the melting electrode method. According to the researchers, their method does not require additional stabilization of the process using a laser, as they do abroad. Transfer stability is achieved only by adjusting the arcing parameters, which preserves the low cost of electric arc growing equipment.

Our developments further facilitate the printing process of titanium products, and the technology can be scaled, "explained Dmitry Kurushkin, engineer at the Laboratory of Light Materials and Structures of SPBPU.

The new method was tested on the developed Prism 3D printer, equipped with a camera with an inert atmosphere for printing products even from the most active metals. Industrial partners by March 2022 are already showing interest in technology, according to SPBPU.^[3]

2021

MISiS scientists have learned to print on a 3D printer with almost all popular metals

Scientists of the laboratory "Catalysis and Processing of Hydrocarbons" NUST "MISIS" have learned to print 3D products from metals of different groups on the same printer. The institute announced this on December 1, 2021. Scientists at NUST MISIS have taken metal 3D printing to a new level by introducing a universal production technology for various industries on a single 3D printer. The basis was the 3D printer of the Russian company Addsol, the design of which was optimized and finalized by the laboratory engineers. Read more here.

Why does Russia need additive technologies?

Article by Alexander Boogie, Associate Professor of the Department of Economics, SZIU RANEPA, Candidate of Economic Sciences here.

Mishustin approved a strategy for the development of 3D printing technologies

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in mid-July 2021 approved a strategy of additive technologies for the period until 2030. According to the press service of the Cabinet, the main priorities outlined in the document were the strengthening of scientific and personnel potential, the improvement of the regulatory and legal framework, the activation of import substitution processes. Read more here.

2020

Rosatom Additive Technologies Center opened at the site of the Moscow Polymetal Plant

On December 26, 2020, it became known that RuSat - Additive Technologies opened its first Center for Additive Technologies (CAT) at the site of the Moscow Polymetal Plant. Read more here.

Metal powders for 3D printing began to be made in the SEZ "Technopolice" Moscow "

A resident of the SEZ "Technopolice" Moscow, "the company" Additive Engineering, "launched a service - laboratory production of metal powders in a small volume for 3D printing, Technopolice said on November 26, 2020, according to General Director Gennady Degtev. Read more here.

FIOP supported the training of metal powder synthesis specialists for additive technologies

On November 24, 2020, it became known that two pilot groups are completing training on a professional retraining program in the field of technologies for the synthesis of metal single and multicomponent powders for powder metallurgy and additive technologies. Its development by order of the Fund for Infrastructure and Educational Programs (FIOP) of the RUSNANO Group was carried out by the Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science named after A.A. Baykov (IMET RAS) of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Read more here.

Additive Engineering will invest about 100 million rubles in the development of 3D products

The Additive Engineering company, which opened production at the Pechatniki site in early 2020, received the status of a resident of the Technopolice Moscow special economic zone. Until 2029, the company's total investment in the development of 3D products will amount to about 100 million rubles. Read more here.

Announcement of electric arc growth technology using metal wire

On March 5, 2020, it became known that the engineers of the Laboratory of Light Materials and Structures of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Peter the Great (SPbPU) developed an electric arc growth technology that allows you to use metal wire instead of powder to create various products. This technology can significantly reduce the cost of additive production, and for products with simple geometry it competes with turning and milling production. Research is carried out within the framework of the national project "Science." Read more here.

Announcement of technology for the production of electronics and photonics devices from organic polymers by 3D printing

On January 23, 2020, the Roselectronics company announced that, together with the Institute of Synthetic Polymer Materials of the Russian Academy of Sciences, it is developing a technology for the production of electronics and photonics devices from organic polymers by 3D printing. The application of additive technologies allows you to obtain products with improved properties, almost any geometry and degree of complexity, save consumables and start the production of product samples in a shorter time. Read more here.

2018

Launch in the Tula region of the production of metal powders for 3D printing

At the end of September 2018, the Polema plant located in the Tula region launched its first production of spherical metal particles in Russia for 3D printing and special coatings. According to TASS Information Agency of Russia, representatives of the plant on September 28, the volume of investments exceeded 450 million rubles. The purchased equipment makes it possible to produce powders of high degree of sphericity and purity by impurities. Read more here.

Creation of a center for additive technologies based on MMP named after Chernyshev

Rostec State Corporation on August 17, 2018 announced the investment of almost 3 billion rubles in the development of industrial 3D printing in Russia. The funds will go to the opening of the Center for Additive Technologies (CAT) on the basis of the Moscow Machine-Building Enterprise named after V.V. Chernyshev (part of the UEC) - the holdings of the aviation cluster of the state corporation are engaged in its creation: United Engine Corporation (UEC), Russian Helicopters, Technodinamika and KRET. According to Rostec estimates, CAT revenue for the period 2018-2027. may amount to 13.2 billion rubles, and profit from sales - exceed 3.6 billion rubles. Read more here.

The main tasks of the development of 3D printing - All-Russian Institute of Light Alloys

Specialists of the All-Russian Institute of Light Alloys (part of Rostec) outlined the main tasks of the development of 3D printing.

In the article of the VILS dated May 4, 2018, one of the key tasks is to increase the economic efficiency of production. Thus, according to the institute's experts, 3D printing will reduce the cost of manufacturing parts from titanium alloys by 30%.

Another task is to be able to make parts of a shape that was previously impossible to obtain. For example, a shape with hollow spaces or a lattice structure, which gives significant weight superiority.

The principal task of the development of 3D printing, according to VILS experts, is to increase the mechanical properties of parts made of titanium alloys. Achieving the necessary properties depends on the nature of the microstructure and the absence of defects.

The task of the technologist in building a 3D model is complex, since depending on the size of the part and other parameters, the temperature of the particle or layer constantly changes. Knowledge of the peculiarities of changing the structure in the process of obtaining a part is a necessary condition for achieving stable and high mechanical properties in 3D printing, - said Igor Polkin, professor, head of the Dobatkina Research Center for Research and Development.

VILS has already proven the possibility of a significant reduction in the volume of mechanical processing of parts using powder metallurgy methods for the manufacture of parts from titanium as well as nickel alloys, which significantly increases the economic efficiency of production compared to traditional deformation technology. In particular, the possibility of increasing the metal utilization factor (CMM) by 2-3 times was shown, and for disk materials made of titanium - up to 3-5 times, the institute said. According to VILS experts, the use of 3D technology should increase these indicators by 2 times.

Russia lags behind in the development and application of additive technologies - Frost & Sullivan

According to Frost & Sullivan, presented in 2018, in terms of its contribution to the overall additive technology market, Russia is still far behind technology leaders. Moreover, the lag is noted in all major areas - the production of equipment for 3D printing, the scale of application of technologies in key industrial industries, the production of raw materials and auxiliary materials, etc. As of February 2018, Russia's share in the structure of the global additive production market is about 1%.

Russia's needs for metal powders for 3D printers, as well as equipment, are closed mainly due to the import of products. The main volumes of raw materials are in Germany and the UK.

Among the largest consumers of powder materials on the Russian market, Frost & Sullivan named such enterprises as Aviadvigatel and NPO Saturn (in both cases, the development of gas turbine technologies and engines), as well as Novomet-Perm (production of submersible electric centrifugal pumps for oil production). Significant work on the development and promotion of additive technologies is carried out by the state corporation Rosatom and Roscosmos.

According to analysts, stimulating developments in the field of additive production in Russia must be supported both through state subsidies (compensation for the costs of enterprises for production and R&D) and through direct investment. One of the largest players providing financial support to projects in the field of additive technologies is the Industry Development Fund, which issues soft loans to companies.

Material for turbojet engine part

The All-Russian Institute of Light Alloys (part of Rostec) in February 2018 announced that the metal powders it obtained were used as a material for the flame tube of the combustion chamber of the DG-4M turbojet engine used in rocket systems. The pipe was made by Samara National Research University. Academician S.P. Korolev by the method of selective laser fusion, related to additive technologies. Read more here.

2016: First steps in the development of additive production

In 2016, a limited number of industrial companies and research centers are engaged in the use and implementation of additive production technologies in Russia. The range of their activities is relatively narrow. They mainly act as intermediaries selling AP equipment and/or are engaged in rapid prototyping, which for the modern AP is yesterday. A very small number of companies have the capacity to produce functional components from materials with good operating characteristics, and very few people are able to produce these parts in industrial quantities. This situation is presumably caused by the high level of capital costs associated with high-class AS equipment, which also requires the availability of appropriately trained and trained personnel. Another serious factor is due to the fact that the full use of the advantages of the AP, which would justify its use in industrial production, implies a high level of management of the entire life cycle of products - and this is practically absent in the Russian industry.

The lack of significant commercial interest in AP technologies that go beyond rapid prototyping is accompanied by a very limited amount of research activity in this area. It is significant that the number of Russian publications on AP issues is only 0.76% of the global total. By the number of publications, Russia ranks 26th in the world, sharing it with Greece, Israel, Finland and Poland. 21 research organizations are associated with Russian technical publications listed on the Web of Science list, which mainly include research institutes of the now defunct Russian Academy of Sciences and several universities from St. Petersburg and Moscow. By 2016, over the past 15 years, 131 patents were issued in Russia on various aspects of the AP (0.14% of the world number), with 14 of them received by Russian applicants and 117 by foreign ones. For comparison: South Korea, the United States, Japan and China jointly own 90% of patents in this area.

The gap between Russia and the countries leading in the field of AP, already colossal, continues to grow rapidly, especially if we take into account the coordinated efforts of governments, industry and academic institutions of the leading countries aimed at the widespread adoption of additive production in industry. Among the key factors affecting the opportunities to expand the use of AP technologies in the Russian industry is the presence of

• infrastructure for APs (e.g., product lifecycle management tools, standards, etc.),
• skilled labor,
• affordable high-class AP equipment and materials for AP, the development of which in itself is a complex interdisciplinary task.

Among the additional, but equally important factors is the familiarization of professionals and managers from various industries with the advantages of using AP technologies. In addition, industrial adoption of these technologies will not be possible without significant investments in basic and applied research. The experience of other countries shows that all these tasks cannot be solved without significant government participation and thoughtful financial incentives, which are now sorely lacking in Russia.

As for the AP industry as such, the development in Russia of new industrial-level AP equipment for 2016 may not be feasible unless its cost (with comparable quality) is significantly lower than the cost of equipment from existing suppliers, or the new equipment does not have fundamentally new capabilities that make it attractive to the Russian market. At the same time, the development of software tools and the creation of AP materials, including suitable metal powders, can become promising areas, at least for the domestic market, and in this capacity deserve close attention. However, such business activity, closely related to the creation of infrastructure for additive production, is unlikely to become profitable in itself, without being included in the nationwide program of bringing additive production to a wide, if not domestic, market^[4].

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