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 takes the 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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#Benelux #firsts #Formnext
How does the introduction of multi-material capabilities in 3D printing, such as those seen with Schaeffler Aerosint’s OmniFusion printer, impact the future of additive manufacturing?
**Interview: Exploring Innovations at Formnext with Industry Expert**
**Interviewer:** Good morning! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting developments from the Benelux region at Formnext 2024. With numerous exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge additive manufacturing innovations, what stands out to you the most?
**Guest:** Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here. This year, the Benelux participants might not have the largest representation compared to other regions, but the quality and innovation on display are truly remarkable. For instance, Schaeffler Aerosint’s OmniFusion 3D printer, which introduces multi-material capabilities without using a binding agent, is a significant advancement. This technology could revolutionize how we think about material combinations in 3D printing.
**Interviewer:** That does sound impressive! The application of multi-material printing can unlock many possibilities. Can you share your thoughts on atum3D’s new Atlas 3D printer that uses AMSystems’ laser technology?
**Guest:** Absolutely. The Atlas 3D printer has been designed to push the boundaries of large-format DLP printing with its ability to produce items up to 100 cm in height. Its adaptive printing feature utilizing the Multi-Laser Patterning module from AMSystems is particularly noteworthy. The flexibility to work with various wavelengths and the introduction of multiple laser units will significantly enhance productivity and material diversity for users. It’s a paradigm shift in how large objects can be printed efficiently and accurately.
**Interviewer:** It seems like the industry is moving towards not just larger sizes, but also greater automation and adaptability in the printing process. I noticed Leapfrog is introducing a new industrial FFF printer, Leapfrog One. How does this printer fit into the broader trends we’re seeing?
**Guest:** Leapfrog One represents the industry’s response to the growing demand for larger, more complex parts with a high degree of automation. Its independent dual extruder system and print speed of up to 200 mm/s make it an exciting addition for manufacturers focused on producing jigs, fixtures, and small batches of end products. The level of automation they have incorporated—like bed calibration and surface quality compensation—shows a clear trend toward easier integration and operation in a production environment.
**Interviewer:** There are also developments in quality control from AM-Flow and the collaboration between AMIS and Meteor Inkjet for binder and material jetting systems. Could you summarize these innovations’ significance?
**Guest:** Certainly! AM-Flow’s new AM-Quality module enables rapid 360-degree scanning of components in just five seconds, which could have far-reaching implications not just in additive manufacturing but across various industries seeking more efficient inspection and quality assurance processes. On the other hand, the partnership between AMIS and Meteor Inkjet is a strategic move to offer OEMs a complete solution for integrating advanced inkjet technologies into their equipment. Their combined expertise can help drive the adoption of innovative print technologies in 3D printing, making it easier for manufacturers to enter the market.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these insights! The future of additive manufacturing looks vibrant, particularly with the innovations coming from the Benelux region. Any final thoughts on what we can expect moving forward?
**Guest:** The innovations at Formnext are a clear indication that the additive manufacturing sector is maturing rapidly, with a focus on industrialization and scalability. As we continue to see collaboration and integration of diverse technologies, I expect that we will witness an acceleration in adoption across various sectors. Exciting times lie ahead for the industry!
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time today and for your valuable insights on these remarkable advancements in additive manufacturing!
**Guest:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these innovations.
