The recent developments in the field of flexible manufacturing are mainly driven by advancements in additive manufacturing (AM), as evidenced by the latest news from the industry. Here's an in-depth look at the current trends and significant announcements in this sector.
1. Strategic Partnerships and Technological Innovations
HP and INDO-MIM Partnership: HP Inc. has formed a strategic partnership with INDO-MIM, a leading company in the Metal Injection Molding (MIM) industry, to advance metal additive manufacturing.
Meltio's Sales Milestone: Meltio, a Spanish multinational company, has sold over 300 systems worldwide of its unique wire-laser metal 3D printing technology.
Collaborations for Enhancing AM: Leading companies like Ansys, Materialise, Siemens, DyeMansion, BASF Forward AM, and EOS have joined forces to navigate through the complexities of additive manufacturing, aiming to increase interoperability in the AM industry.
2. Material Innovations and Applications
New Material for Aerospace: Markforged released Vega, a high-performance filament for aerospace manufacturing, compatible with its FX20 printer.
Microstructure Fabrication: Researchers at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences have developed a low-cost method for fabricating high-precision microstructures in 3D printing.
3. Acquisitions and Funding
Nexa3D's Acquisition Plans: Nexa3D, specializing in ultrafast 3D printing, intends to acquire Essentium, a prominent manufacturer of HSE 3D printers and materials.
Funding for Cognitive Design Systems: The company, known for making 3D models manufacturable, has raised €2 million in funding.
4. Formnext 2023: A Comprehensive Overview
Increased Participation and Diverse Exhibitors: The event saw an 11.1% increase in visitors compared to last year, with 859 exhibitors, including 60% international companies, focusing on sectors like medical, transport, and defense.
Hybrid Manufacturing Solutions: There was a notable presence of machines capable of rapidly changing tool heads and robotic arms, emphasizing the integration of additive manufacturing with traditional processes.
Material Characterization and Sustainability: A significant focus was on machines for characterizing materials, crucial for quality control and sustainability in additive manufacturing.
Advancements in Printing Speed and AI: Formnext 2023 highlighted the importance of faster printing speeds and the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence in 3D printing for error detection and increased productivity.
Focus on Verticals and Local Production: Additive manufacturing is increasingly designed for specific applications in sectors like automotive, healthcare, defense, and aeronautics, emphasizing local manufacturing.