The Challenge
Goierri Eskola, located in Spain's Basque Country, is a top school supported by the Goierriko Herrien Ekintza Foundation. It works with 18 local municipalities and 40 companies in the Goierri region. The school’s focus on community involvement helps drive its growth and success.
In recent years, Goierri Eskola has taken on an exciting challenge in the field of additive manufacturing to strengthen its reputation in technical education and business partnerships. This challenge is built on two key goals: offering high-quality training and providing services and support for business projects.
Aitor Zuriarrain, a professor in the engineering department, gives us a clear insight into the objectives and needs that drive this quest for excellence. The technical laboratory is the stage where this insight comes to life. Here, additive manufacturing technologies, such as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) for metals, and the newly incorporated Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), come together to provide a state-of-the-art learning and experimentation environment.
About six years ago, the school faced a challenge that turned into a great opportunity. They needed a 3D metal printing system with specific features for a new master’s program in additive manufacturing. Accuracy, user-friendliness, and accessibility were key factors. Aitor Zuriarrain shares how this need led to an extensive search for the right technology.
This challenge not only expanded the school’s educational offerings but also boosted its role as a leader in innovation and technology, both in the Goierri region and across Spain.
“The introduction of Metal X within our center has meant a change for the better in training, expanding what we offer in a competitive way.”
– Aitor Zuriarrain Professor of Engineering
The Solution
Aitor Zuriarrain reveals the solution that turned Goierri Eskola’s vision into a reality. The turning point came when they chose to test out the Markforged Metal X system, which raised the bar for the institution.
Aitor Zuriarrain explains, “The Metal X system is comprised of several components: a 3D printer using Metal FFF technology, a washing system to remove part of the binder, and a sintering system.”
He continues, “Working with the Metal X system has allowed us to participate in funded projects and to occasionally collaborate with companies by making customized models for some applications.”
Aitor also highlighted a specific accomplishment. They were involved in a European project where they were subcontracted to produce a tool with an internal cooling channel. They conducted a comparison between SLM and Metal X using 17-4PH Stainless Steel and H13 Tool Steel. Despite the tool being heavier than recommended for the system, the outcome was impressive.
Besides its effect on business projects, the Metal X system is also a valuable tool for students to learn. Aspiring engineers can use this advanced technology for their final year and master’s projects. They can create parts, study their uses, and print them for thorough testing.
Goierri Eskola has found that the Markforged Metal X system has transformed its metal additive manufacturing education and has also created various opportunities for collaboration and project development. This dedication to innovation and learning will drive the institution toward a brighter future.
“The Metal X system has allowed us to participate in funded projects and to collaborate with companies by making customized models for some applications.”
– Aitor Zuriarrain Professor of Engineering
In this overview of additive manufacturing at Goierri Eskola, the combined opinions of students and teachers come together to highlight the clear and proven advantages that have emerged from their commitment to innovation and technology.
Aitor Zuriarrain emphasizes, “The introduction of Metal X within our center has meant a change for the better in training, expanding what we offer in a competitive way, and bringing us closer to the working world. We can also offer high value-added services to the companies that we work with on various projects.”
The future is bright, and Goierri Eskola is ready to continue leading the way in additive manufacturing.
“Markforged’s Metal X met all the requirements we were looking for at the time: a simple metal technology with a fast-learning curve that is easy to take on board, user-friendly software, a variety of materials, accuracy, and ease of use. In short, it is ideal for education.”
– Aitor Zuriarrain Professor of Engineering
The Future
Goierri Eskola is gearing up to take on new challenges and opportunities in additive manufacturing.
One of their latest projects focuses on making small copper parts with different surface textures. These parts are crucial for heat transfer applications, where the surface texture directly affects how well they work. Goierri Eskola is analyzing how each texture impacts the cooling performance, showcasing its dedication to innovation and research.
Aitor Zuriarrain expressed that the team at Goierri Eskola had plans to use Inconel 625 for manufacturing boiler parts designed to withstand high temperatures. Despite the limitation posed by the size of these parts, they recognized the need to explore this application. With several local companies in the area, they believed there was an opportunity to assist them during the production phase.
Collaboration plays a big role at Goierri Eskola. Their partnership with Hub 4.0 at the Goierri innovation hub gives them access to a Mark Two™ 3D printer. This Markforged printer helps them make parts that require dimensional stability using continuous fiber reinforcement. This partnership and focus on advanced technology are helping them explore new possibilities in developing cutting-edge components. Goierri Eskola is excited and determined to move forward. Their constant pursuit of new challenges, combined with their commitment to innovation and teamwork, strengthens their role in technological research and development. The future holds many opportunities, and Goierri Eskola is ready to continue leading in additive manufacturing.
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