2024-11-18 10:47:00
The Benelux will not achieve the record participation in Formnext in 2022. And the Low Countries remain far away from the record number of Chinese exhibitors at the 2024 edition of the AM fair in Frankfurt. But with 17 Belgian participants and 29 Dutch, the AM industry from the Benelux is well represented. More importantly, they show how the sector is innovating and making additive manufacturing production-ready.
The exhibitors from the Benelux present a number of striking innovations, both in terms of the development of the companies themselves and in terms of the industrialization of the sector itself. Schaeffler Aerosint (part of Schaeffler Special Machinery) shows the application of Selective Powder Deposition in the form of the OmniFusion 3D.
Multi-materials at Schaeffler Aerosint
Aerosint was originally developing the deposition technology for SLS and LPBF. With the OmniFusion 3D it takes the step towards industrial multi-material 3D printing. The OmniFusion 3D stacks up to 3 different materials in a printing cylinder. This is done from our own software, based on the design that has been read. The maximum internal diameter of the cylinder is 100 mm. The material combination can be three metals, ceramic materials or a combination of these. Schaeffler Aerosint does not use a binding agent. The powder-filled cylinder is then sintered into the near net-shape end product. The layers are 50 microns thick.
You will find the Schaeffler Aerosint stand in hall 11.1 C28
atum 3D uses AMSystems laser technology in the new Atlas 3D printer
Large format DLP printing
You will find a double scoop from the Benelux at atum3D. Doubly because the manufacturer of DLP printers AMSystems developed technology used to push the boundaries of DLP printing. The new Atlas 3D printer from atum3D prints up to 100 cm in height and 200 by 600 cm in the X and Y axes. However, atum3D does not consider these dimensions to be the most important added value of the Atlas 3D printer. That is the extent to which the printer adapts to what you are going to print. atum 3D uses the Multi-Laser Patterning module (MLP) from AMSystems. This consists of 20 diodes in a row. The wavelength is now 405 nm, but versions with 385, 640 and 1064 nm are on the roadmap. This means a wide variety of materials that can be printed. Productivity benefits from the powers that can vary from 1000 to 4000 mW. Each of the 20 diodes has a spot size of currently 20 microns, but that will become smaller in future models. atum3D can combine up to 3 MPL units in one printer, making 60 laser beams available.
AMSystems can be found in hall 12.1 C59 and atum 3D is on the same stand.
Leapfrog makes leap with Leapfrog One
Most know Leapfrog from the small desktop FFF printers. At Formnext, the Dutch manufacturer is showing an industrial FFF printer Leapfrog One with IDEX technology, which stands for independent extruders. Put more simply: the two extruders move independently of each other over the 600 by 500 mm bed (800 mm in Z-axis). The new 3D printer prints at speeds of up to 200 mm/s and accelerates up to 10,000 mm/s2. Leapfrog aims at printing larger jigs and fixtures as well as printing small batches of end products. The Leapfrog One is also extensively automated: from a system for mechanically calibrating the print bed to compensation for surface quality and a series of quickly exchangeable nozzles (E3D system).
The Leapfrog One is located in hall 12.1 G106
Benelux AM players will show the full breadth of innovations at Formnext
AM-Flow: measuring even faster
AM-Flow is located in Frankfurt with the completely new AM-Quality module. This allows you to create a 360 degree image of the workpiece within 5 seconds by scanning the object from above and below with 8 laser line scanners. The total cycle time of 5 seconds is now also attracting attention from sectors other than additive manufacturing. Last week, AM-Flow assessed the interest of visitors to the Precision Fair.
Lees in Solutions Magazine a more extensive article about this form of quality control
AM-Flow is located in hall 12.1 C19
AMIS together with Meteor Inkjet
Despite a shrinking high-end market in the AM industry, the Flemish AMIS together with Meteor Inkjet a total solution for OEMs in binder and material jetting AM systems. The two companies, both part of Hybrid Software Group, combine their expertise and make it easier for manufacturers who want to build 3D printers with one of these two techniques. AMIS DFE is the software for print job preparation, which can be easily integrated with MES systems. This software is now combined with the software and expertise of Meteor Inkjet to control the industrial inkjet print heads. The British company already works with OEMs such as Xerox, Xaar, Rico, Kyocera, Koninca Minolta and Fujifilm Dimatix in the 2D printing world and is now bringing this knowledge to 3D printing. AMIS and Meteor Inkjet combined offer scalable and directly integrateable software, tools and service for OEMs wanting to enter the binder or material jetting technology.
AMIS and Inkjet Meteor can be found in hall 12.0 C0982
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You will find more among the Formnext participants from the Benelux X-RIS (12.1 G104) from Herstal, which is just like Nikon Metrology (12.0 D119) offers CT scanners. Nikon now also has a CT scanner for large parts, up to 1500 mm height, keeping the technology in line with the LPBF systems. MX3D (12.0 C121) a PERMIT (12.1 C91) have both announced that they will introduce new AM systems at Formnext. Also the Rotterdam one Concr3de Printing (12.1 D19) shows new developments, including the Elephant Blue for ceramic 3D printing up to 6 by 3 by 1 meter. Additive Industries can be found in hall 11.0 D11 and when it comes to post-processing, shows Leering Hengelo (12.1 D61) the latest solutions. You can find everything about the 3DOP project at the stand Brainport Development (12.1 C59). Several presentations are planned here and the event will take place on Thursday, November 21 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM presentation of progress within it 3DOP project place.
You will find an overview here all exhibitors at Formnext 2024 are from the Benelux come.
Photo: It is hoped that the truck driver has achieved Formnext well along the way with the new 3D printer from atum3D. The Dutch manufacturer uses the new MLP module from AMSystems.
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What are the key benefits of the OmniFusion 3D technology for industries using multi-material 3D printing?
**Interview with John Meijer, CEO of Schaeffler Aerosint, on Benelux Innovations at Formnext 2024**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, John. The Benelux region is not reaching the record participation of previous years at Formnext, but it still showcases impressive representation. How do you feel about this year’s participation from the Low Countries?
**John Meijer**: Thanks for having me! While the numbers may not be record-breaking, the presence of 17 Belgian and 29 Dutch exhibitors demonstrates the strength and innovative spirit of the AM industry in the Benelux. We’re here to show that we are not just participants, but leaders in innovation and industrialization in additive manufacturing.
**Interviewer**: Schaeffler Aerosint is presenting the OmniFusion 3D technology. Can you share what makes it stand out in the realm of multi-material 3D printing?
**John Meijer**: Absolutely. The OmniFusion 3D is groundbreaking because it can handle up to three different materials in a single print job without a binding agent. This opens up new possibilities for creating complex parts that combine metals and ceramics seamlessly, which is crucial for industries that demand high performance and precision. Our approach, by layering 50 microns thick, also enhances the quality of the end product.
**Interviewer**: That’s impressive! Beyond Schaeffler Aerosint, what other exciting innovations have you noticed from Benelux companies at Formnext?
**John Meijer**: There are several fascinating developments. For instance, atum3D’s new Atlas 3D printer is pushing boundaries in DLP printing with high adaptability and larger print sizes, thanks to their Multi-Laser Patterning technology. Leapfrog’s Leapfrog One also caught my eye as it incorporates independent extruding technology, enhancing speed and automation in 3D printing. These advancements showcase the Benelux’s commitment to advancing 3D printing technology.
**Interviewer**: It seems like the focus is on not just showcasing products but also enhancing productivity and adaptability. How do you see these innovations impacting the additive manufacturing landscape?
**John Meijer**: The innovations we’re presenting today are setting the stage for the future of the industry. They allow for more efficient production processes and enable customized manufacturing on a scale that wasn’t possible before. With technologies like AM-Flow’s new AM-Quality module scanning workpieces in seconds, we are ushering in a new era of quality control and process optimization.
**Interviewer**: It’s certainly an exciting time for additive manufacturing in the Benelux! Before we wrap up, where can attendees find Schaeffler Aerosint at Formnext?
**John Meijer**: You can find us in Hall 11.1 at stand C28. We look forward to engaging with visitors and sharing more about our innovations and vision for the future of additive manufacturing.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, John, for sharing these insights. We wish you and Schaeffler Aerosint a successful exhibition!
**John Meijer**: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.