Gourmet Cazorla: Optimizing production lines through 3D printing

Since 2003, Gourmet Cazorla has been producing meat products. From their factory in Linares, Jaén, they produce over 150 different flavors of pate.

The company's production volume has been steadily increasing over the years. And from 2022, it begins to study how 3D technology can optimize production lines. Thanks to UltiMaker 3D printers and Shining 3D scanners, Gourmet Cazorla not only became more efficient, but also successfully saved time and costs.

Challenge: Custom manufacturing of designs and spare parts

Gourmet Cazorla started as a small factory for the production of meat products and pâtés in 2003. Recently, the company recognized the potential of 3D technologies as a means of producing its own spare parts without relying on third-party suppliers.

In addition, 3D printing has opened up opportunities to create your own unique designs. The company sought advice from Sicnova's experts on the necessary equipment and materials to be used in their production lines.

“We're always coming up with new parts to put into production. The 3D technology quickly paid for itself in terms of time and money saved, and we plan to continue using it in the facilities.” – Juan Alberto Marín, Head of Maintenance at Gourmet Cazorla.

Solution: The UltiMaker S5 3D printer and the EinScan SP scanner from Shining 3D

The paste maker made its first foray into the world of additive manufacturing with the purchase of an UltiMaker S5 3D printer ( https://shop.3mgbonev.com/product/3d-printer-ultimaker-s5 ). Then they added a Shining 3D EinScan SP scanner to digitize smaller spare parts that are more difficult to design.

An UltiMaker distributor, Gourmet advised Cazorla on the purchase of equipment and printing materials to be used through their application engineering service. Since then, the meat processor has used nylon to print specific parts for its production lines and spare parts. Sometimes they also use PLA as a more cost effective material.

Result: 90% savings on cover positioners and faster replacement parts

Since incorporating 3D technologies, Gourmet Cazorla has been able to print its own lid positioners, clamps for attaching lids to cans, and entry combs for conveyor belts. They also print inserts and covers for their machines.

3D printing the pate jar lid positioners results in a 90% savings compared to the original cost of the parts. Previously, they ordered them from the manufacturer for 1,000 euros each and waited 20 days for delivery. But now they can produce replacements in just three days. The company is already considering other 3D printing applications such as handrails and guides for their production line.

Conclusion

For Juan Alberto Marín and his team, 3D printing and scanning have become key technologies at Gourmet Cazorla. "With the time and money saved, the investment quickly paid for itself and we will continue to use it for many more projects," says Marin.