自动驾驶3D打印的车辆，啤酒供应机器人，机器人3D打印，骑着挥舞的机器人 - 好的，我做了最后一辆，但自动化与增材制造一起 - 显然是IMTS 2018上的主题主题。
3D printing and automation
自动化是一种不隔离的技术，是一种自动化的技术 - 必须有一些可以自动化的技术。虽然AM节目以各种程度的自动化为特色，但formnext 2016 stands out in this regard, the exhibitors in Chicago this year make such a synergy more tangible than ever.
At IMTS 20183D系统and GFare demonstrating theDMP Factory 500。Additionally, theEOS M 300-4features shared modules that are designed to function in an automated factory such as thePremium AEROTEC/Daimler NextGenAM project。Also,Carbonhas built a demo manufacturing cell at their booth, and several miles away at Fast Radius a “real-world” example has been assembled.
I spent several hours at what Fast Radius describes as the “largest Carbon factory in the Western hemisphere” with the “greatest number of Carbon machines in North America” – 11 DSL 3D printers in case you were wondering – a full report will be coming soon.
目前，我可以说快速半径的制造单元旨在用Universal Robotsarm, 2 DLS systems and aSmart Part Washer。
尤其是与咨询公司结合的世界经济论坛麦肯锡has recently declared Fast Radius the only “factory of the future” in North America and a “manufacturing lighthouse.” This is remarkable given the 40 strong team operates from a relatively small space in a primarily office district, and may indicate a new mode of production.
And, while it is easy to be swept along by hype, speaking during the press preview dayFraunhoferExecutive Vice President and board member Dr. Georg Rosenfeld stated that, “the smart factory is no longer a trendy buzzword.” Expect to see a lot more examples of additive and automation by the end of the year.
Advanced materials for Additive Manufacturing
另一个主题在加法制造imt 2018 is “Materials, materials, materials and you can add another one,” as 3D Systems CEO VJ puts it to me.
扩大范围的3 d打印材料,碳纤维has a strong presence. Its use is present in the pelletized feedstock described in a presentation by Austin Schmidt, President ofAdditive Engineering Solutionsat the Additive Manufacturing Conference on Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM). However, rather than directly imbuing the final component with additional strength, here CF is used to prevent deformation caused by residual stresses during the 3D printing process. Very important when working with material deposition rates of 40-140 lbs per hour.
With multiple machines installed at Jabil, Ford and the U.S Airforce,不可能的对象is one company using Carbon Fiber in a different way to other 3D printing enterprises here at IMTS.
碳纤维sheets are processed using the Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing (CBAM) method to make parts suitable for high temperature and other demanding environments. These include “lots of drone parts” and “spare parts for in service craft” explains Jeff DeGrange, Chief Commercial Officer.
At theMarkforged传播总监Booth Trak Lord向我展示了现在可用的金属X台式机尺寸3D打印机的几种材料。也可以看到金属X在标记摊位上打印。新材料包括钛，Inconel 625和316L不锈钢。该金属系统和连续的碳纤维3D打印机的员工人数增长了300％，Markforged的客户增长了200％。“我们是第一个使用台式机尺寸的金属打印机推销的人，” Lord自豪地说。
The Comms. Director also says that 3D printing is, “the decathlon of engineering,” acknowledging that the combination of materials science, software and hardware is no easy task.
On the show floor and at the various offsite after-expo events, this sentiment is echoed. A common grumble from resellers, customers and even sales managers is the availability (or rather lack) of long announced products. Counter to this is the sensible argument that its in nobodies interest to ship a product which fails to live up to claims.
Italy’sRoboze是没有此类投诉的主题。他们升级的机器人一+ 400具有改进的功能，可以使用高级热塑性塑料（例如PEEK）。打印机在432002展位上运行，并以最少的精力打印这种弹性材料。
The enhancement that make this possible stem from a new air compressor, or Venturi Box as Roboze call it. Compressed air is used to control cooling at the now single nozzle One+ 400’s extruder. The Venturi Box also serves to create a vacuum on the build plate – as anyone who has printed in PEEK will have experienced, part removal can be an arduous task. The vacuum system solves this problem.
With the addition of a top mounted filament dryer to deter “the enemy of PEEK,” aka moisture, the Roboze One+ 400 is an attractive proposition. Were my luggage not full of promotional material and data sheets I would certainly try to persuade Roboze to let me take the 3D printer back for the 3D Printing Industry engineering team to test.
New 3D printer announcements and premieres at IMTS
Visitors hoping to see加性行业MetalFAB1 system at the location marked in IMTS show guides will need to walk a little further.
Daan Kersten, co-founder and CEO, explains that the floor at the original location would not take the weight of this industrial metal 3D printer and directs me to a location at the other end of the West building.
Here, Kersten shows me the MetalFAB1 3D printing with Inconel 718, using 4 lasers simultaneously. Two modules are running for the first time at IMTS. The modular system is designed for series production and the CEO tells that a 7 module set-up was recently delivered to a soon to be announced customer.
柏林还将发表更多公告BigRep。This developer of large FDM 3D printers has strengthened its presence in North America during the past year, particularly with appointment of Frank Marangell as President of BigRep America last summer. The forthcoming announcements for November 2018, most likely at formnext in Frankfurt, hint at two new machines.
3D打印行业已经期待着该节目，FormNext对于该行业中的任何人来说都是必不可少的，也是下半年的主要添加剂活动。
生产中的3D打印并为未来提供技能
AtXometry的布斯，后来在导演格雷格·保尔森（Greg Paulsen）的演讲中，我了解了“添加剂保存供应链”，尤其是关于现在在生产线上3D打印零件的标准使用。
According to BMW’s Ryan Lambert, a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer, the appeal of Xometry is the services they offer in addition to 3D printing. Lambert explains that while BMW has worked with additive for many years, as Xometry also offers CNC services, post-processing and rapid quotation when it comes to ordering jigs, fixtures and grippers for automotive production the “one stop shop experience” is invaluable.
Protolabsalso has undeniable expertise in many of the above areas. Joe Cretella, Applications Engineer, took me through some of the wide range of services available from this international digital manufacturing company. Presently, production DMLS is a significant area of growth for Protolabs and having added sheet metal capabilities via an earlier acquisition, the company can offer an even greater number of options, should AM be unsuitable for a specific job. Cretella tells me that visitors to IMTS are intrigued by the wide variety of AM technology available, but also the range of finishes that Protolabs offers.
Also, during day 2 (day 3 if you count press day) at IMTS I attended a roundtable discussion for two new reports. Hosted by中小型，智能制造技巧：准备，培训和补偿美国的劳动力讨论涵盖了如何激励和保留劳动力和行业4.0/Manufacturing 4.0以及未来工厂的主题。
As IMTS opens to the public for the third day there is still a lot more to see. Having clocked up almost 20 km walking around McCormick Place and offsite events since Sunday I’m beginning to wish that I did have access to an automatedWhirlyball购物车来渡过我。
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特色图片显示了IMTS 2018第二天的添加剂制造会议开幕。
