At this year’s Formnext, the Additive Manufacturing Industrialization Navigator (AM I Navigator) initiative was launched by prominent industry figures such as Siemens, DyeMansion, BASF Forward AM, EOS, and HP.
Addressing the difficulties of industrial 3D printing, the model proposed by this initiative highlights different phases of industrialization in the AM sector. While always open to cooperation, the AM I Navigator initiative also appeals to organizations to assist in defining the industrial 3D printing field. The initiative welcomes more technology providers and thought leaders from an array of industries, encouraging collaborative venture on related products and services.
The 2023 3D Printing Industry Awards will be closing soon for voting.
Promotion of compatibility in the field of additive manufacturing is important.
Underscoring the need for increase in interoperability within additive manufacturing, this initiative aims to cultivate a universal understanding of the different stages involved. The goal is to assist users in smoothly integrating these operations within conventional production workflows. Influencing factors of these stages involve organizational set up, strategic configuration, skill sets, maturity level of employees involving culture, level of automation, and interconnectivity all through the complete value chain.
The initiative also motivates companies to analyze their current standing within additive manufacturing. A systematic Maturity Check is proposed for this purpose, this method has its foundation in the Siemens Digital Manufacturing Excellence framework. Such an examination enables companies to recognize their existing maturity level and identify potential improvement areas. Their aims are also categorized across five levels, right from elementary manual production to highly autonomous additive manufacturing.
Upon completion of this examination, companies are given suggestions that guide them towards refining their production processes. Placing importance on synchronization in the process chain, the initiative reiterates that integrative and cooperative additive manufacturing enhances the comprehensive production value.
Significant partnerships in industrial 3D printing
The POLYLINE project, featuring consortium partners like BMW, Grenzebach, DyeMansion, and EOS, successfully implemented a large-scale, automated AM production line for polymer parts. Completed in three years at BMW’s Additive Manufacturing Campus, the project plays a significant role in enabling high-throughput 3D printing for serial production.
EOS, Arkema, General Lattice, and DyeMansion unveiled the Digital Foam Architects network to expedite AM of consumer, medical, and industrial products. The Digital Foam Architects network, led by EOS, addresses the complex design, material, and AM hardware requirements, formalizing a partnership of experts across the entire AM spectrum. Central to Digital Foam is EOS’s patent on generatively 3D printed lattice structures, providing diverse opportunities for AM innovation. EOS foresees network expansion with more partners.
Metal 3D printer developer Meltio launched the Meltio Engine Software Partners ecosystem, featuring 12 partners, including the likes of Fusion 360 by Autodesk, AdaOne by Adaxis, and more. This initiative aims to provide robust software solutions for Meltio Engine CNC Integration and Meltio Engine Robot Integration, establishing an open platform for both hardware and software in the additive manufacturing sector. Meltio emphasizes a user-friendly experience and has implemented a meticulous technical validation process to ensure seamless integration and enhanced slicing features for diverse industrial applications.
Read all the 3D Printing Industry coverage from Formnext 2023.
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