At Domin, we are at the forefront of new hydraulic technology developments. As a company, we take a pioneering approach to creating our hydraulic technology. This means that we think what no one has thought before, we are the first to try new ideas and methods, and dive into unknown territory to find the best possible solutions for our customers.
This is why we are one of the few companies that are implementing metal 3D printing as a core manufacturing process. We combine metal 3D printing with cutting-edge technologies like modern onboard electronics, intelligent data integration, high-speed motor controls, and position sensing, to name a few, to create premium products for our customers. As a manufacturing method, metal 3D printing enables the optimised creation of hydraulic technology in ways that are impossible with traditional methods, such as machining or casting. Using metal 3D printing also allows us to produce lightweight hydraulic systems, which is a major advantage for creating energy efficient systems. While this is still a fairly new technology, it comes with almost endless design possibilities. This unlocks huge benefits as a manufacturing process for hydraulic systems.
Additive vs. Traditional Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, offers significant benefits over traditional methods like machining or casting. 3D printing uses CAD (Computer-Aided Design) model to add material precisely where needed, building the component from the ground up layer-by-layer. Some material is deposited in the form of the design and then cured before the next layer is applied. Each layer can be about 0.05 to 0.4 mm thick, and the material is added until the entire design is printed.
In contrast, subtractive manufacturing processes like machining start with a solid block of material. This is then cut, drilled, or otherwise shaped to remove excess and create the final component. This often leads to significant material waste, requires complex tooling, and limits design flexibility. Casting, on the other hand, while not subtractive, involves pouring molten material into moulds, which can also have limitations in terms of precision and the ability to create complex internal structures.
Metal Additive Manufacturing
There are various 3D printing technologies, but not all are suitable for metal. Unlike the more common polymer 3D printing, metal 3D printing is less widespread, with only a few companies, including Domin, using it to produce fully commercialised products.
Metal 3D printing is typically done using SLM (Selective Laser Melting) or DMLM (Direct Metal Laser Melting)—both part of the powder bed fusion family. These processes use a high-powered laser to melt and fuse metal powder one layer at a time.
Domin has partnered with Renishaw to install two in-house 3D printing manufacturing machines: the Renishaw RenAM 500Q Ultra and the Renishaw RenAM 500Q. This allows us to boost our production capacity and maintain the highest standards in both precision and quality. Metal 3D printing gives us complete control over the production of our components. The result is lower cost and more-lightweight components that are efficient and relatively cheap to produce.
We use maraging steel for our metal 3D printing for its exceptional strength and toughness, enabling us to print small, complex designs without compromising durability. The flexibility of this process also allows us to easily modify designs to create hydraulic components tailored to our customer’s specific needs.
Opportunities and Benefits of Metal 3D Printing
Metal 3D printing offers numerous opportunities and benefits that traditional manufacturing methods simply can’t match. One of the most significant advantages is the design freedom it provides. We can create complex internal geometries, like optimised flow channels, which can be perfectly designed for fluid dynamics. This capability also enables topology optimisation, allowing the material to be placed precisely where it’s needed, reducing the weight of components while still maintaining their strength.
Additionally, metal 3D printing allows for easy customisation of hydraulic components. Unlike traditional methods that require expensive and time-consuming tooling changes, we can quickly adapt designs to meet specific application requirements without incurring high costs. This enables on-demand manufacturing, allowing components to be produced as needed, reducing the need for large inventories, facilitates localised production, and offers faster turnaround times, all of which are critical for meeting the demands of modern industries.
Another key benefit is its material efficiency. By adding material only where necessary, metal 3D printing minimises waste, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. Combined with high precision means that less energy is consumed during production, contributing to further cost savings in the manufacturing process.
Embracing metal 3D Printing in Hydraulic Technology at Domin
At Domin, our approach has enabled us to create groundbreaking solutions, such as the world’s smallest direct-drive servo valve and the most compact active suspension system on the market. With metal 3D printing, we can design complex internal geometries, optimise material use, and quickly customise components to meet specific requirements. This ensures our hydraulic systems are efficient, durable, and tailored to our customers’ needs.
