One of the hotspots during TechniShow 2022 will be the 3D Process Square. There you will find the complete 3D printing workflow for the manufacturing industry. Here, visitors to the show will go through all the steps to get from an idea to a 3D printed end product.
With two squares, 3D printing will be one of the main themes at TechniShow 2022. On the 3D Technique Square, exhibitors such as Renishaw Benelux, Laagland and other exhibitors will show AM techniques. Those mainly interested in the various technologies and the latest machines can come here. "However, the technology does not stand alone. There are steps required before and after 3D printing to arrive at the final product. We highlight that whole process at the 3D Process Square," says Kris Binon, director of Flam3D. The Benelux trade association for the AM industry is supporting FPT-VIMAG and Jaarbeurs in organising the 3D Process Square. By splitting the subject into technology and process, a visit to TechniShow is worthwhile both for manufacturing companies that barely know anything about 3D printing as well as those looking for depth.
Going through the whole process
TechniShow visitors can literally walk through the different steps on the 3D Process Square. "We are not dividing the square into compartments. Participants such as ProductionToGo, Fuselab, QDP and Materialise, stand next to each other in a semi-circle and show how you get from 3D scanning, with design and simulation software through printing to post-processing," Kris Binon outlines the filling of the square. The exhibition floor gives participants plenty of space to demonstrate live machines, software and applications. For example, scanning and processing scan data into a printable file. This is followed by machines for post-processing the parts, from removing support to smoothing the surface.
Lecture programme every day
All demos will be complemented by a lecture programme, alternating between AM techniques one day and the whole process the next. AM experts will highlight a total of six different AM techniques, including Laser Powderbed Fusion, WAAM, binder jetting as well as SLS, a technique for printing plastic parts. "Because," Binon explains, "some parts that the manufacturing industry now mills from aluminium, for example, you can very well 3D print in plastic. We also want to convey that message." AM techniques are explained in the lectures through concrete applications. In the lectures on the process, for example, the link to design for additive manufacturing is highlighted, as well as the post-processing of the printed parts. "Among other things, machining finishing," says Binon. With this, the TechniShow places additive manufacturing as a solution in the middle of existing production processes in the manufacturing industry.
Modular construction with 3D printing
The starting point on the 3D Process Square will be Flam3D's 3DESK, an example of how 3D printing can be applied. This 3DESK consists of 3D printed plastic fittings that connect sturdy profiles made of recycled plastic. Kris Binon: "The 3DESK shows that 3D printing is not only suitable for special implants or expensive rocket engines. By printing the connectors from recycled materials and combining them with the profiles, you can quickly build something, resize it or give it a different look and feel for little money, without the need for costly tooling." Machine builders can also apply such a concept, he believes.
Q&A
Visitors to the TechniShow can approach the AM experts manning the 3D Process Square every day with concrete questions or even products. Kris Binon: "The more concrete the questions, the better. Talk to us with concrete ideas, the question of whether you can or should 3D print a product. If necessary, we will go through the process together with visitors." Questions about additive manufacturing are changing over the last year, he notes. "The knowledge has increased. Now people come with questions about the added value of 3D printing, the business case, the investments." With exhibitors at the 3D Technology Square and 3D Process Square, TechniShow visitors will find the answers to these questions.
Technishow will take place simultaneously with ESEF Maakindustrie from 30 August - 2 September Jaarbeurs Utrecht. Register now to visit and view the programme of activities and lectures at both shows via event.technishow.nl or event.maakindustrie.nl
