2023-06-26 22:42:00
With more than 100 registrations at the moment, the TechniShow 2024 has got off to a good start. Additive manufacturing and automation will be two main themes at the fair. Philippe Reinders Folmer, board member of FPT VIMAG, wants to show the next step in both areas together with exhibitors.
“That means we are taking the step from robotization to automation in the true sense of the word; making production cells completely self-managing. And with additive manufacturing, this means that we show you how to 3D print smarter and how to integrate the technology into the entire process, including post-processing,” explains Philippe Reinders Folmer, explaining the plans that FPT VIMAG with both themes on the TechniShow 2024 has.
Additive manufacturing has been a slow starter, but is now gaining momentum
The TechnisShow 2024 will also have a 3D printing square, where technology and applications will be shown. (Photo: Flam3D)
AM-plein
Within the board, he has taken on the task of setting up a technology and application plaza for both themes. As far as additive manufacturing is concerned, this is likely to become one plaza where exhibitors both demonstrate the technology and showcase high-profile applications. He will discuss this with various exhibitors in the coming weeks. This means that parties that join now will have plenty of opportunity to think regarding the details. Philippe Reinders Folmer wants to show at the TechniShow 2024 how companies that apply the technology are now taking the next step.
AM is starting to develop
“Additive has been a slow starter,” he says. “But it’s starting to develop now. Companies have already decided for themselves that 3D printing is a solution; now they are looking at how to scale up 3D printing to serial production and integrate it into their existing processes. That is what we want to bring to the fore as FPT VIMAG.” Smarter 3D printing contributes to lower total costs for the AM parts. For this it is important to look at the entire process, including CNC finishing.
Focus shifts to the whole process
“The focus is shifting to the entire process,” says Philippe Reinders Folmer. “The most optimal is the sum of all sub-optimal solutions.” As an example, he mentions the integration of the supports in the workpiece, making it easier and more stable to clamp for mechanical finishing. As a result, the workpiece is not optimally light and the printing process may take a little longer, but the entire process up to and including post-processing is more efficient and cheaper.
The Dutch high-tech suppliers have started serial production with AM, as KMWE Precision does with these parts.
Building plate remains a machine part
He cites an example from the production of the RenAM 500Q at Renishaw. The optical module is 3D printed on the build plate, which is also part of the part. Philippe Reinders Folmer: “We use the building plate not only as a fixture, but also as a mounting plate to mount the module in the machine.” There are more solutions, for example printing parts on a zero-point clamping system so that they can be clamped directly in a CNC machining center. “By thinking carefully regarding how you print, you can save costs. People used to think of robots that removed the building plate from the 3D printer, but you can save much more by working smarter so that the process following 3D printing is shorter. Because the costs are in the handling following 3D printing. If you reduce that, you’re a bacon buyer. We want to show these kinds of solutions at the TechniShow.” In addition to the AM square, guided tours are also on the program.
Autonomous production cells
Actually, a similar story applies to automation, the second theme that Philippe Reinders Folmer is working on together with Arnoud de Kuijper of Cellro for the TechniShow 2024. The Netherlands is at the forefront of robotization. But it is now time for the next step, which involves more than just having a robot load the machine. “We are moving towards automation. This means that we upload data to ERP and quality systems. We will use this data to observe processes, plan capacity and maintenance. In this way we make production cells completely self-managing.” By taking the step from robotization to automation, companies can produce more with the same number of employees.
TechniShow 2024 will take place in March 2024 in the Jaarbeurs Utrecht. On 5 July, FPT organizes VIMAG together with Jaarbeurs Utrecht TechniShow Talks, an online discussion program with this time Menko Eisma (TRUMPF), Mathijs Wijn (LVD Nederland), David Bender (Bendertechniek) and David Kemps (ABN AMRO). Anyone with suggestions or ideas for the AM square can contact Philippe Reinders Folmer.
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