Krones

Krones optimising 3D-printed parts & spares for customers anywhere

Strengthening capabilities with the UltiMaker Factor 4.

About Krones

Krones, a global leader in beverage and packaging systems, has taken significant steps to optimise their manufacturing process by adopting Ultimaker 3D printing technology. Known for producing high-speed, high-volume production lines for beverage giants like Coca-Cola and Heineken, Krones continuously seeks ways to enhance the efficiency and reliability of their machinery.

The Challenge

In large-scale production environments, downtime can be extremely costly. Krones needed a solution to minimise machine downtime without relying on extensive inventories of spare parts, which are expensive and often impractical to store in large quantities. They required a faster, more flexible way to produce both prototypes and critical machine parts, especially for customers facing urgent replacement needs.

The Solution

After evaluating various technologies, Krones turned to Ultimaker’s 3D printing solutions. Ultimaker printers enabled Krones to rapidly prototype and produce parts in-house, significantly cutting down lead times from weeks to just hours. This not only improved the speed of design iterations but also allowed Krones to offer 3D-printed parts directly to their customers via their online shop.

The flexibility of Ultimaker’s open materials platform also allowed Krones to develop custom materials tailored to specific part requirements, ensuring that every 3D-printed part met their stringent quality standards.

Results

Since integrating Ultimaker 3D printers into their operations, Krones has been able to reduce downtime, improve machine reliability, and offer a more sustainable approach to parts production. The addition of Ultimaker’s new Factor 4 printer has taken their capabilities even further, enabling the production of stronger, more flexible parts with faster turnaround times. This has allowed Krones to better support their global customer base while driving down operational costs.

With nearly 50 Ultimaker printers across over 10 locations, Krones continues to push the boundaries of 3D printing in the beverage industry, providing on-demand, high-quality parts that keep their customers’ production lines running smoothly.

A Trusted Partnership

As a trusted reseller of Ultimaker 3D printers, Tri-Tech 3D is proud to support companies like Krones in transforming their production processes. Krones’ decision to embrace Ultimaker technology is a testament to the quality and reliability of the Ultimaker 3D printing ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

Krones is excited to explore new possibilities with Ultimaker’s cutting-edge 3D printing solutions, further enhancing their service offerings and reducing lead times for their customers. The adoption of the Factor 4 printer marks the next step in Krones’ journey towards more efficient and flexible manufacturing.

Interested in Ultimaker Technology?

Contact Tri-Tech 3D to learn how Ultimaker’s innovative 3D printing solutions can transform your business operations.