Automated additive manufacturing: successful integration at 3D Prod
The additive manufacturing market has experienced significant growth in recent years, and with this growth comes new challenges and issues for users. At 3D Prod, we are particularly attentive to these challenges: the quest for faster production, the growing complexity of projects, the quest for higher quality standards. Our customers need to rely on reliable, automated manufacturing solutions to take their projects to the next level. That's why we've chosen to integrate machines and materials that meet this need for This is why we have chosen to integrate machines and materials that respond to the need for automation in additive manufacturing: our aim is to increase manufacturers' productivity by offering them a range that comes close to that of the mass production industry.
This goal can be achieved by reorganizing our production phases using optimized machines, but also by integrating fully automated manufacturing steps. This is one of the reasons that we are now relying on a new robotic arm on our production line for Digital Light Processingtechnology on our production line, and we have invested in specific post-processing solutions to create a chainautomated cleaning line.
Current additive manufacturing automation solutions
The need to automate additive manufacturing, and therefore the 3D printing workflow, has led to the emergence of more and more solutions, both hardware and software, on the global market. Automation starts right at the beginning of the value chain, i.e. at the design stage. Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) techniques are a step in this direction: the aim is to use methods such as generative design or topological optimization to design parts quickly and efficiently, while minimizing the risk of errors. topological optimization to design parts quickly and efficiently, while minimizing the amount of material and aiming for higher performance. Software currently available offers these options - some even offer design and slicing control.
In terms of manufacturing itself, many 3D printers and post-processing solutions have opted for automation and offer additional functionalities. For example, some machines feature a conveyor belt that acts as a printing plate, enabling continuous printing. Others are able to change their platens automatically, either on their own or via a robotic arm system, so as to avoid human intervention and lengthy interruptions to the printing process. On the post-processing side, the aim is to make the time-consuming cleaning stages as easy as possible. Some solutions on the market are therefore capable of handling part dewaxing, part recruiting or even sandblasting.
Finally, the automation of additive manufacturing goes hand in hand with monitoring and control software that enables you to monitor prints, launch them remotely, and manage your machine park optimally. Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) offer these functionalities and are an ideal solution for taking manufacturing to the next level.
At 3DProd, we analyzed and tested some of these solutions before choosing our equipment. Today, we have integrated into our production workshop solutions that enable us to produce mass-produced parts and meet the needs of industry. This integration has been accompanied by a reorganization of our workshop to comply with safety standards and provide sufficient space to take things to the next level. We have therefore launched work to meet these requirements and optimize our premises. The aim is to be able to accommodate not only new production machines, but also cleaning and automation solutions. Let's take a closer look at the choices we've made and our future plans.
3D printers and post-processing machines: a decisive choice for additive manufacturing automation
When it comes to powder-based 3D printing processes, we've chosen HP's Multi Jet Fusion technology from HP technology to optimize mass production and raise productivity levels. HP solutions are equipped with a Build Unit (BU), a post-processing station and NCUs (natural cooler units). These three elements provide a fast, integrated production chain, reducing manufacturing and part cooling times, and optimizing powder management by enabling 80% of unused material to be reused.
In addition to these more powerful 3D printers, we want to implement automated automated post-processing solutionsin particular AM Solutions' automatic de-welding machines. The aim is to deposit the 3D printed parts on the S2 machine's spiral conveyor belt, which will then be able to convey them safely and continuously to the de-soldering and cleaning stages. The sandblasting process will be fully controlled, ensuring consistent quality results and repeatability. At present, we have one automatic drum de-soldering machine.
Turning our attention to 3D resin printing processes, 3D Prod has invested in DLP technology technology, which photopolymerizes liquid resin using a UV light source. Each layer is cured in a single operation, which increases printing speed (up to 100 mm/h) while maintaining high levels of quality. The result is highly accurate, high-resolution models, all within very short lead times.
To optimize the post-processing of 3D resin-printed parts, we have developed a machine in collaboration with KRUMM-TEC. This is an automated cleaning station which eliminates the need for tedious, time-consuming manual operations. This frees up our operators' time and improves their overall productivity.
Integrating a robotic arm to boost productivity
In response to market needs, we wanted to take this idea of speed and automation of DLP technology a step further. This is why we have integrated a robotic arm on our DLP production line. The aim was to gain in flexibility and to be able to operate the machine outside normal production hours, i.e. evenings and weekends. What's more, the robotic arm enables us to remotely control printing and manage production at any time.
In concrete terms, this robotic arm, developed by Universal Robots, is capable of unloading the machine and reloading an empty tray. This action immediately starts a new print job, while the previous one is sent to the post-processing solution. There is therefore no interruption in the production cycle, paving the way for true industrialization and the mass production sought after by more and more market professionals.
Discover our automated production line
Strengthening the expertise of our employees
The integration of automated production solutions implies new skills within our teams. That's why we have set up training programs to ensure that our employees acquire this knowledge and are well aligned with this new approach to production. Our technicians are able to operate in an automated environment. In particular, they are trained in enhanced quality control, enabling us to offer our customers reliable, high-quality parts.
In concrete terms, a dedicated technician is assigned to each of the technologies we offer. He or she is responsible for the maintenance and management of his or her machine park, while also being able to support his or her colleagues in mastering the process. Our teams are therefore highly complementary, with the aim of offering a quality service.
3D Prod's teams are perfectly equipped to support you in your projects, aware of industry standards and the importance of increased productivity. We have already taken steps in this direction, investing in quality and automation to promote the industrialization of additive manufacturing. However, our commitment doesn't stop there: we aim to go even further in the coming years by stepping up our optimization efforts to offer ever more automated and industrial manufacturing processes.
3D Prod tip : Test your projects by making your quotes online via our dedicated platform: Get your quote online!
