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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#Benelux #firsts #Formnext
How does Jan Vermeulen perceive the future of additive manufacturing in the Benelux region after Formnext 2024?
**Interview with Jan Vermeulen, Director of AMInnovate, about the Benelux Presence at Formnext 2024**
**Interviewer:** Jan, thank you for joining us today. As we approach Formnext 2024, what are your thoughts on the representation of the Benelux region this year?
**Jan Vermeulen:** Thank you for having me. While it’s a fact that the Benelux won’t match the record participation numbers from 2022, the 46 exhibitors representing Belgium and the Netherlands showcase a vibrant and innovative additive manufacturing (AM) sector. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the quality and innovation that these companies bring to the table.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of innovation, I understand that several companies are presenting groundbreaking technology. Can you highlight a few of these innovations?
**Jan Vermeulen:** Certainly! One of the standout innovations comes from Schaeffler Aerosint with their OmniFusion 3D technology, which allows for multi-material 3D printing without binding agents. This could transform applications across industries due to its versatility in combining metals and ceramics.
Additionally, atum3D is making waves with their new Atlas 3D printer. The size is impressive—up to 100 cm in height and a large print area—but what sets it apart is the use of the Multi-Laser Patterning module, allowing for a wide range of materials and high productivity.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! How about AMFlow? I hear they have something new in terms of quality control?
**Jan Vermeulen:** Yes, AMFlow is debuting their AM-Quality module, which can scan a workpiece to create a 360-degree image in just 5 seconds. This rapid inspection could have significant implications not just for AM but also for various other sectors, enhancing quality assurance processes dramatically.
**Interviewer:** In terms of market trends, do you think the Benelux AM industry is ready for wider industrial adoption?
**Jan Vermeulen:** Absolutely. Companies like AMIS and Meteor Inkjet are developing integrated solutions for OEMs, demonstrating that the AM industry is not just surviving but thriving. These developments indicate a strong shift towards making additive manufacturing viable for mass production, which is a big step toward its mainstream adoption.
**Interviewer:** As we wrap up, what do you hope to see from the Benelux participants at Formnext?
**Jan Vermeulen:** I hope to see robust engagement and collaboration among exhibitors and visitors. It’s a great opportunity to showcase innovation, share knowledge, and forge partnerships. The Benelux has a lot to offer, and I trust that our companies will shine at this international stage.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jan, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how the Benelux region continues to innovate in additive manufacturing.
**Jan Vermeulen:** Thank you for having me. I’m excited to see what the future holds!