Nokia, rms Company, and GF Precicast have each revealed that they have integrated 3D Systems additive manufacturing to streamline metal and polymer parts production.
According to Vyomesh Joshi (VJ), CEO of 3D Systems, “3D Systems is expanding its production workflow solutions use case by use case, through our collaboration with global manufacturers.”
“Our unique ability to apply software, hardware, materials and services, specifically tuned for key verticals such as medical device design and manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and consumer goods is helping our customers achieve greater productivity, durability, and repeatability and lower their total cost of operation.”
3D printing at Nokia
The Finnish multinational telecommunications and consumer electronics company Nokia has been working with 3D printing for some time. However, now with 3D Systems, the company is utilizing what it calls its Factory in a Box 2.0.
Nokia’s Factory in a Box concept is a combination of Industry 4.0 solutions, such as cobots, artificial intelligence, and the IoT packed in a large storage container. These containers are modular and moveable, hence, Nokia can ship these to various places in a matter of hours to meet the manufacturing demands.
Naturally, Factory in a Box 2.0 is also equipped with Nokia’s own 5G network, Worldwide IoT Network Grid (WING) and Digital Automation Cloud. “After the positive feedback we received for our Factory in a Box concept last year, it was important to reach a new level with version 2.0,” explains Grant Marshall, VP supply network & engineering at Nokia. “[…] We did so in terms of connectivity, because factory in a box 2.0 is integrated into the Nokia Worldwide IoT Network Grid and has Nokia Digital Automation Cloud on board.”
In addition, Version 2.0 features a single 3D Systems Figure 4 machine. Marshall adds, “[…] we also wanted to add new and advanced technology like 3D printing. 3D Systems’ Figure 4 Standalone was an obvious choice because of its high throughput and six sigma repeatability.”
“These capabilities are exactly what we want to showcase as part of our conscious manufacturing solution where speed, accuracy, and durability are critical.”
A demo version of Factory in a Box containers is currently on display at Nokia’s stand (hall 16, D38) at industrial technology tradeshow, Hannover Messe in Germany.
3D Systems and rms Company Direct Metal Printing (DMP)
A subsidiary of the Minnesota-based manufacturing group Cretex Companies, rms Company produces medical devices ranging from orthopedic implants to pacemakers. In partnership with 3D Systems, some of these devices are manufactured using metal 3D printers, such as the ProX DMP 320, which rms acquired in 2016. Since then rms Company has bought eleven DMP 320 printers and, following its launch in 2018, rms Company has ordered two of the DMP Flex 350 metal 3D printers.
Lee Zachman, president of rms Company, “We made the decision to integrate metal additive manufacturing into our service offering.”
“Our customers require products that can only be manufactured with additive technology, and we’ve made the investments necessary to support them. 3D Systems’ application engineers collaborated with us to design and optimize workflows and ensure a smooth integration of the equipment.”
“As a result, we’ve been able to increase capacity through new applications and generate new sources of income. We see continued growth in the metals additive space and are committed to this technology.”
Leading metal 3D printing
And thirdly, Swiss advance manufacturing company GF Precicast, which is active in the aerospace sector, is using 3D systems metal machines as an alternative to investment casting of superalloys. By using DMP Factory 350 and DMP Factory 500, GF Precicast is able to reduce manufacturing lead times associated with traditional methods.
Paolo Gennaro, managing director, GF Precicast Additive SA, said, “GF Precicast was an early adopter of the DMP Factory 500.”
“We’ve seen great success incorporating this system into our production workflow to produce structural components. We’re in the process of certifying these components produced with additive technology, using superalloys that are able to improve performance while reducing costs.”
The next chapter of additive manufacturing
3D Systems is showcasing its additive manufacturing portfolio this week at both the 2019 Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference in Chicago (booth D16), and Hannover Messe 2019, in Germany (hall 6, booth K01).
Yesterday, VJ and Chuck Hull, the co-founder and CTO of 3D Systems, held at session at AMUG discussion “the next chapter” of additive manufacturing. A summary of the session can be found via our Twitter here.
3D Systems has been nominated for several accolades in the 2019 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote now to decide this year’s winners.
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Featured image shows a line of 3D Systems’ Figure 4 machines. Photo by Michael Petch.
