Additive manufacturing causes new synergies to emerge

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HASCO Hasenclever GmbH + Co KG

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Messe Erfurt GmbH

Verein Deutscher Werkzeug- maschinenfabriken e. V. (VDW)

The new exhibition alliance celebrated its premiere at Metav 2014. Under the title “Rapid-Tech goes Metav”, the Messe Erfurt took the stage in Düsseldorf with a special exhibition and a comprehensive lecture programme on medical technology. In 2015, the VDW plans to support Messe Erfurt at Rapid-Tech by putting on a special exhibition in Erfurt on the topic of medical technology. From 2016, in a two-year rhythm, Rapid-Tech and Fab-Con 3D will be integrated into the Metav as independent brands with an exhibition area, a specialist congress and a user conference.

The essential advantage of generative production, or the layer-by-layer process, is that every imaginable form which can be created in a 3D CAD program can be made.

There are no limits to the manufacture of transparent or hollow structures; likewise, complex geometries and free forms are possible. Given this freedom in design, component assemblies can be reduced to a single part. In this way, functional components perfectly meeting the specifications can be produced. Complicated component geometries with free-form surfaces and hollow structures can be realised. This direct and fast production by means of generative processes enables, thanks to the almost unlimited freedom in form and design, the manufacture of individual and optimum products.

Additional Information

Rapid-Tech: Technology, Trends and Theory

Rapid-Tech, the specialist fair and user Congress for rapid technology in Erfurt, Germany, has for more than 10 years been one of the most important information events in the field of generative manufacturing processes. It sees itself as a platform for scientific exchange involving researchers, developers, constructors and users. A distinctive feature of the event is an organically grown exhibitor base and the close intermeshing between research in the specialist congress and practical applications in the parallel exhibition.

In 2013, this special event attracted over 1,500 congress and exhibition guests from 16 countries. It included 70 specialist lectures by noted experts from Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Romania, Switzerland and the US, who informed newcomers and experts about the latest results, trends and applications of additive technologies.

The sky – and one’s imagination – is the limit

This low-cost process for producing short series or even individual parts also changes the working environment and the working sequences for engineers and designers in product development. Complex constructions without geometrical limitations can be realised directly from CAD data. Because of the geometrical freedom and the high elasticity of the material (e.g., PA 12 in selective laser sintering), it is furthermore possible to produce snap fasteners, complicated form closures and spring-force fasteners, or geometries such as leaf or torsion springs. As a result, fewer parts have to be assembled or joined by tools. In addition, generative production shortens the conventional production chain, as such steps as 2D drawing and assembly of components are eliminated. This enables firms to adapt quickly and flexibly to changes in the outlet market.

This story, which first appeared in MM Maschinenmarkt, was written by Walter Frick, a specialist journalist in Germany.

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Generative processes

Additive manufacturing causes new synergies to emerge

The sky – and one’s imagination – is the limit