EinDruck³ 2021 - Interview with Andreas Knöchel, OECHSLER AG

Andreas Knöchel is Head of Additive Manufacturing Lattice at the Middle Franconian OECHSLER AG and speaker at our online event EinDruck³, which will take place on June 16 and 17, 2021 . We spoke with him in advance about what is particularly innovative about Lattice structures and what is particularly challenging about their implementation.

Mr. Knöchel, what actually are lattice structures?

Andreas Knöchel: Lattice structures are non-filled cellular solids in which only the edge regions are represented, for example by struts. These struts are called "lattices." Several lattice solids result in the product.

What advantages do lattice structures offer and what is particularly innovative about this design principle?

Andreas Knöchel: Depending on the selection of the lattice type and the material , properties can be generated that are not possible using conventional manufacturing methods. Examples include damping, comfort, and lightweight construction .
The innovation here is that the pre-existing properties of the components are improved compared to regular construction. A good example of this is the American football helmet produced by OECHSLER. This offers 30% more protection on the head compared to the previous model, which is padded with foam. Lattice structures therefore not only make products lighter, but also better.

In which products are Lattice structures used?

Andreas Knöchel: We currently use Lattice structures in the Automotive , Consumer & Sporting Goods and Industry markets. Direct product examples here are car seats, bicycle seats, shoe soles or comfort elements in the furniture sector. However, our applications and products here are growing monthly and we are constantly developing new areas of application.

What challenges do design engineers face during implementation?

Andreas Knöchel: The challenge clearly lies in the design of the components. At OECHSLER, we do not develop novel components according to the trial-and-error principle, so we do not first print a component, measure this and then know how to manufacture the customer product. Instead, we incorporate all the characteristic values of existing products into the initial design and thus achieve 98 % of the desired function with the first component. Exactly this experience and this know-how are our greatest internal development treasure.

Thank you very much for the exciting conversation!

Inform and network: EinDruck³ - Innovations and Challenges in Additive Manufacturing, June 16-17, 2021

Our Online event EinDruck³ offers you the opportunity to learn about the latest topics and trends in additive manufacturing . Renowned speakers and panelists from various user industries (including Brose, EOS, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, KSB, MTU, OECHSLER, Oerlikon) will talk about the following topics:

• Product and material development
• Quality in the process
• Future of additive manufacturing

Convince yourself and take a look right now at the program !