China3D printingNet April 13th, British post-processing specialist Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) has cooperated with Japanese electronics manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric to provide3D printingOf plastic parts has developed a fully automatic post-processing machine that can significantly increase productivity.
According to reports, this is the first such machine approved by the safety and consulting company Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Its settings include AMT’s PostPro3D chemical vapor smoothing system and Mitsubishi’s articulated robotic arm robot as system options. According to partners, this combination can significantly increase the productivity of the system from a few parts completed per hour to hundreds.
Joseph Crabtree, Chief Executive Officer of AMT, said: “So far, complete3D printingThe parts have always been a completely manual process, which can account for 30-70% of the total manufacturing cost.By using our automation solution PostPro3D, manufacturers can significantly reduce the final price, thus making3D printingIt is cost-effective and can be produced in large quantities. “
PostPro3D system. Filmed by AMT.
AMT’s PostPro 3D system
AMT was founded by Crabtree in 2017, and based on the technology developed by the University of Sheffield, launched the PostPro3D system in 2018.The technology is aimed at3D printingPatented plastic parts, fully automatic chemical steam smoothing process, can save costs for manufacturers. Replace manual post-processing steps.
This process uses high-efficiency solvents to blast the parts suspended in the chamber to remove pores and surface defects, thereby smoothing3D printingLayer lines that exist on the part.
Earlier this year, AMT completed a £2.5 million financing, and Crabtree said it would help the company “unleash industrial3D printingThe full potential of the company.” The announcement was made shortly after AMT entered into a partnership with the multinational printing company HP to provide end-to-end post-processing services for its Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) printing technology.
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Parts, post-processing using PostPro3D system” alt=”Made of EOS PA2200
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Parts, use PostPro3D system for post-processing” width=”620″ height=”411″ />
Made of EOS PA22003D printingParts, use PostPro3D system for post-processing. Picture from AMT
Automated post-processing
According to AMT, its goal is to develop a machine that meets industry 4.0 standards, such as cloud connectivity, sending status updates, and the ability to automatically order consumables when needed and provide remote diagnosis. The company started to establish a partnership with Mitsubishi Electric as early as 2018 to accelerate the speed of automated post-processing.
“To realize our concept, we need an automation partner who can provide the entire machine control system as well as the actual robotics technology,” Crabtree said. “This is the basis for truly integrating our machines into future production lines and benefiting from a lean, single-supplier distribution model.”
The PostPro3D machine jointly developed by AMT and Mitsubishi Electric integrates the latter’s MELSEC iQ-F series compact PLC, HMI, SCADA and MELFA articulated arm robots as system options. The system is also equipped with Mitsubishi electric power, low-voltage switchgear, servo drives and motors. These motors are connected to the MELSEC iQ-F series FX5UC PLC and the operator terminal, so that the operator can set finishing parameters and monitor the process to ensure efficiency.
During post-processing, you can manually or use the integrated Mitsubishi MELFA RV-F series six-axis robotic arm to3D printingThe parts are loaded into the machine or taken out of the machine. Then, before the processing data is analyzed and stored in real time for continuous process monitoring, the user can select the required surface roughness of the part and other additional surface quality. The parts are usually completed within a cycle time of 90 to 120 minutes and then ready for use.
The machine has passed UL and CE standard certification, which can meet AMT’s intention to deliver its PostPro3D system to the US, European and Chinese markets. AMT selected Mitsubishi Electric as its automation partner for its “one-stop” automation product that can ensure component compatibility and promote data sharing.
“We believe that PostPro3D will have a significant impact on many manufacturing applications ranging from footwear and medical parts to aerospace and automotive,” Crabtree said. “If there is no suitable automation expert, this is impossible. We are very happy to cooperate with Mitsubishi Electric to develop the world’s first fully integrated system for3D printingAutomatic post-processing of parts.Thanks to this partnership, we can reliably market the machine to the global market. “
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