China3D printingNet, April 9th, as SmarTech Analysis discussed in the “Automation, Additive Manufacturing and Factory of the Future” report, we see3D printingThe industry can not only be used as a means to establish factory automation, but also become more automated through the development of new technologies.Can be automated to improve efficiency3D printingThe most important part of the workflow is post-processing, which usually consists of a series of laborious and expensive tasks.
One of the participants trying to solve this problem is the British Additive Manufacturing Technology (AMT), which has announced a partnership with Mitsubishi Electric. The two companies will work together to further automate AMT’s PostPro 3D chemical steam smoothing machine.
AMT’s PostPro 3D. Image courtesy of AMT.
PostPro 3D has automatically smoothed parts made by laser or high-speed sintering, HP multi-jet fusion and fusion deposition modeling technology. Pre-defined parameters and algorithms apply AMT’s physical and chemical boundary layer automatic smoothing technology (BLAST) process to the parts and smooth them with an accuracy of 1μm.
Multiple parts made of the same material and the same requirements can be processed at the same time. The surface roughness (gloss or matte finish) can be selected, and information can be stored for process monitoring. After about 90 to 120 minutes, the parts are complete and ready to use, and the machine can automatically reorder consumables. According to Joseph Crabtree, CEO of AMT, this level of automation can greatly reduce the finishing of parts, which accounts for 30-70% of total manufacturing costs.
Mitsubishi Electric’s robotic arm. Image courtesy of Mitsubishi.
Now, with the help of Mitsubishi Electric, users can integrate six-axis robotic arms to further increase productivity. PostPro 3D is equipped with power supply, switchgear, servo driver and motor, and FR-D700 inverter provided by Mitsubishi. Then, it can be equipped with Mitsubishi’s MELSEC iQ-F series compact PLC, HMI, SCADA or MELFA robotic arm to automatically put the prints into or out of the PostPro 3D system.
“In order to expand and deliver our solutions in the United States, Europe and China, we need to build a system whose components are certified in accordance with national regulatory regulations (such as UL and CE marking standards),” Crabtree said. “Mitsubishi Electric is a clear choice because it provides one-stop service and the most advanced automation solutions. In this way, we can ensure that different components are compatible and data can be shared. In general, the company can provide us with Products required by UL, CE and Industry 4.0.”
The Japanese manufacturing giant seems to be gradually getting rid of3D printingAt the edge of the industry, many subsidiaries have contributed to additive manufacturing here and there. This includes a new Directed Energy Deposition (DED) production line from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and a “point forming technology” DED technology from Mitsubishi Electric.The biggest action seems to come from Mitsubishi Chemical, which developed3D printingFilament, and invested in Freeform Injection Molding startup AddiFab.
Taking into account the cost and labor already mentioned, the post-processing is3D printingKey areas. However, only a few participants are fully dedicated to this field. In addition to AMT, there are post-processing technology and DyeMansion.Other companies are completely focused on automation, such as AM-Flow, which is3D printingIntegration into the factory floor is essential.As discussed in the SmarTech report, all of this will change3D printingshape.
China3D printingNet compile article!
(Editor in charge: admin)
0 Comments for “Mitsubishi Electric and AMT cooperate to automate 3D printing post-processing”