Automated processes improve 3D printing in toolmaking

The lectures

Additive manufacturing (AM) starts with the design process. While a great deal of attention is already being paid to the AM production perspective, the design of 3D models for small series or for customer-specific individual parts still has potential for optimization and simplification. In his presentation, Dr. Ole Bröker, Head of Business Development & Consulting at trinckle 3D GmbH in Hennigsdorf near Berlin, will highlight possibilities for automating design processes for scalable AM use cases. Helmut Zeyn, Director at Siemens Industry Software GmbH, will talk about how industrialized additive manufacturing can be used to produce more efficient injection moulding tools.

The presentation by David Sarnowski, Sales Manager at the FIT Additive Manufacturing Group, will provide the perspective of an experienced 3D printing service provider on the "additive revolution in toolmaking". The company accompanies industrial partners through all phases of AM and helps to find the optimal combination of processes and production parameters through to quality assurance.

Marc Dimter, Industry Manager at TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH, explains the benefits of additive manufacturing for the die casting industry in particular - a sector that is currently hesitant to adopt 3D printing solutions.

Powder handling is one of the most problematic aspects of additive manufacturing using powder bed fusion systems. Joseph Kowen from Solukon Maschinenbau GmbH Stadtbergen near Augsburg therefore talks about the "pain of powder removal" in his presentation. He will show ways to achieve efficient powder management and present the advantages of automated processes over manual solutions. He will also address new regulatory requirements relating to powder removal.

In contrast to additive manufacturing with metals and polymers, 3D printing with carbon or silicon carbide is only just being launched on the market. Dr. Sarah Reiser from SGL Carbon GmbH gives an overview of current developments in this area, which open up new solutions for corrosive, abrasive and high-temperature applications.

Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM in Dresden are researching materials with improved properties for additive applications. Employee Marie Jurisch presents studies on increasing the wear resistance of metals.

The forum

The Tool, Mould & Jig Making Forum is one of a total of 14 industry- and subject-related forums in the Rapid.Tech + FabCon 3.D congress programme. The topics of Software & Processes, Plastics and Standardization & Occupational Safety are on the agenda for the first time. In addition, the proven forums on the automotive industry, aviation, medical, dental and orthopaedic technology, contract manufacturing, 3D-printed electronics & functionality, design, metal, law, an event by the Fraunhofer GENERATIV Alliance and the two-day AM Science Forum will once again be part of the program. In total, the latest developments, trends and results on additive technologies and applications from theory and practice will be presented in more than 100 lectures over the three days of the congress.

The 3D Printing Conference and the restructured presentation areas and networking opportunities in the exhibition will also contribute to the optimal exchange of knowledge and experience as well as the initiation and maintenance of contacts.

Ina Reichel is a freelance journalist