Nokia has integrated 3D Systems' Figure 4 technology into its Factory in a Box concept.
During the Additive Manufacturing User Group (AMUG) conference in Chicago last week, 3D Systems unveiled how three global manufacturers, Nokia, rms Company, and GF Precicast are using its polymer and metal 3D printing technologies to enhance production workflows.
Leveraging the company's Figure 4 and DMP platforms, 3D Systems, president and CEO, Vyomesh Joshi said a combination of software, hardware and material solutions are helping users to achieve greater "productivity, durability, and repeatability and lower their total cost of operation."
For telecommunications firm, Nokia, the resin-based modular Figure 4 system has been integrated within its "factory in a box" concept which was first announced last year to demonstrate how manufacturers can stay ahead of the demands of Industry 4.0 through agile production capabilities. The addition of additive manufacturing (AM) alongside augmented reality/virtual reality and robotics, powered by Nokia private 4G/5G connectivity, results in a semi-automated production workflow.
Grant Marshall, VP supply network & engineering at Nokia commented: "3D Systems' Figure 4 Standalone was an obvious choice because of its high throughput and six sigma repeatability. These capabilities are exactly what we want to showcase as part of our conscious manufacturing solution where speed, accuracy, and durability are critical."
Turbine rear vane produced on 3D Systems' DMP Factory 500 with GF Precicast.
In healthcare, US medical device contract manufacturer, rms Company began using 3D Systems' metal 3D printing three years ago when it saw a growing demand for new products that could only be manufactured with AM. It has since acquired a further 11 ProX DMP 320 systems, with another two DMP Flex 350 printers, built for volume production of critical components in aerospace, healthcare and transportation, on the way. Lee Zachman, president of rms Company said, as a result, the company has been able to increase capacity through new applications and generate new sources of income.
The third customer is Switzerland-based GF Precicast, an advanced technology provider for the global aerospace and industrial gas turbine markets. An early adopter of the DMP Factory 500, a scalable solution designed for large metal parts, the company is in the process of certifying structural AM components made with super alloys which are able to improve performance while reducing costs.
