The industrial application of additive manufacturing seems to be largely taking place outside the Netherlands. This may have consequences in time. To make the Dutch manufacturing industry more aware of the opportunities 3D printing offers to increase your competitiveness, TechniShow 2020 puts the topic high on the agenda.
3D printing square inspires TechniShow visitors
The industrial application of additive manufacturing seems to be largely taking place outside the Netherlands. This may have consequences in time. To make the Dutch manufacturing industry more aware of the opportunities 3D printing offers to increase your competitiveness, TechniShow 2020 puts the topic high on the agenda.
Internationally, major parties are currently taking their positions in AM supply chains. They are investing in knowledge building, technology and product development. In the Netherlands, and indeed in Belgium, things remain relatively quiet when it comes to 3D metal printing. "The hype is off. It is now the turn of companies to look for applications. For that, redesign is necessary. And that's where we run into the problem in the Netherlands that we are a supplier country. The market is largely driven by others," says Menko Eisma, director Trumpf Netherlands. Henny ten Pas of Bender AM also sees the lack of OEMs as one of the main reasons why 3D metal printing lags behind here. "That is inherent in the nature of the manufacturing industry. And the OEMs we do have are outsourcing 3D printing abroad."
AM especially interesting for the Netherlands
FPT-Vimag puts 3D printing high on its list of important topics for the upcoming TechniShow 2020. Visitors can visit the 3D Printing Square at the fair, where both the technology and applications will be presented. Rightful attention, thinks Philippe Reinders Folmer, director Renishaw Benelux. "We are good at high mix low volume and complex parts. We produce this mix in a highly automated way. 3D metal printing is certainly suitable for this. There will just have to be a change in the supply chain." With additive manufacturing, the costs are often incurred at the beginning of the supply chain, while the benefits are often for the parties at the end, the OEMs and their customers. "Buyer and supplier need to work more closely together to redesign, align processes and take on the risk together." Menko Eisma also believes that OEMs, together with the leading parties in the manufacturing industry, should embrace technology and invest in it. "In the Netherlands these days, however, we look at the subsidy pot first. But the government should not always have to pull the cart. Much more should be asked from the market." Because if we are not careful, we as BV Nederland will be presented with the bill if we do not keep up with technological developments, he fears. "In certain applications, we could well miss the boat if the mindset does not change." As far as Henny ten Pas is concerned, it is already too late. "Let's therefore focus on alternative pathways, such as design optimisation, post-processing, automation. There are still opportunities there, but that will require us to train staff."
Integrated cell
At the TechniShow, exhibitors will not only show machines and applications, they will also demonstrate that 3D printing as a technology connects to existing manufacturing technologies. Preparation and finishing are two essential parts of the AM workflow. That is why a topic like 3D metal printing belongs at the TechniShow, thinks Philippe Reinders Folmer. Renishaw shows the integration of additive manufacturing in an automated production cell. Here, 3D printed workpieces are measured, then machined, then measured on the machine and finished to size. All measurement data are stored centrally at ERP level. Philippe Reinders Folmer: "It does not matter whether it is a milled part, a cast part or a 3D printed part. Additive manufacturing is a production technology that you fit into the other manufacturing processes in the machine factory."
Obligatory issue
Bender AM shows examples of complex products from EOS' laser powder bed machines; large rapidly printed workpieces from Gefertec and 3D Microprint's microcomponents. However, the machine supplier is also showing how additive manufacturing fits within its businesses. "We show how the technology connects to milling and turning," says Henny ten Pas, who sees opportunities for Dutch manufacturing companies in this very area. As far as he is concerned, no visitors will soon be able to avoid the 3D Printing Square. "Traditional manufacturing companies often find 3D printing threatening, because they lack the knowledge level. That's why the 3D Print Square is actually a compulsory number."
Consultants on the stand
This is also the opinion of Menko Eisma of Trumpf, which is certainly showing a metal printer but mainly emphasises applications. "We bring consultants along so visitors can put questions or concrete applications to them. We want to trigger and enthuse them to definitely take the technology seriously." In doing so, Trumpf also wants to excite sheet metal processing companies visiting the fair. Additive manufacturing is often linked to machining companies. Trumpf also sees opportunities for sheet metal workers. "After all, the business is changing. With just a laser and press brake, you will struggle. A lot of that business is going to run over platforms. With a 3D printer, you can add value for your customer," says Menko Eisma.
Discuss the possibilities with your customer
That is actually the reason why the TechniShow 2020 puts additive manufacturing at the forefront. "Investigate what additive manufacturing can mean in the supply chain in which you operate," advises Philippe Reinders Folmer. After all, function integration can simply eliminate components you make now. "Smaller companies don't have to react immediately, but they should look at what is happening," he says. This is why no visitor should walk around the 3D Print Square, Henny ten Pas believes. "Every self-respecting company should commit to visiting the print square." Or as Menko Eisma puts it: "Immerse yourself in it together with your customer. That's the least you should do."
