Additive manufacturing is no longer just used in prototype or small series production. However, for the next development step, making the technology usable for series production, there is still a lack of connection to the world of automation in some places. Big Rep and Bosch Rexroth have now joined forces to drive forward the potential of additive manufacturing.

For Dr. Stephan Beyer, CEO of Big Rep, a manufacturer of large-format, series-produced 3D printers (FFF segment), the collaboration with Bosch Rexroth explains: "Our industrial customers in all markets expect reliable, controllable and efficient 3D printers for the production of high-quality workpieces from industrial-grade materials. Open CNC solutions from Rexroth, which we have integrated into our new Big Rep Pro 3D printer, open up a whole new dimension for additive manufacturing." The advantage of the controllers is that they are already being used in highly automated machine tools. What's more, the industrial controllers already include the corresponding functions, from handling to robotics and quality control. Compared to other manufacturing processes, the proportion of manual work in 3D printing is still very high. "In the medium term, additive manufacturing will not be able to avoid adapting to the standards of established production processes," emphasizes Thomas Fechner, Head of New Business at Bosch Rexroth. Automation means that processes become reproducible and traceable. In order to establish the technology on a broad basis, it must also be easily accessible.

Establishing digital processes

In order for additive manufacturing to make the leap into series production, a holistic understanding of the entire process from data creation to quality assurance must be developed. According to Fechner, the goal is a fully digital workflow. "The data must be able to flow seamlessly from the customer order to the CAD software and simulation environments through to the actual machine movements and quality assurance," he emphasizes. In addition, machine manufacturers and end users must agree on uniform open standards such as OPC UA and OpenAPI. "Then we will have created the conditions for anchoring 3D printing as a key element for Industry 4.0 applications and exploiting the technology's potential," adds Beyer.

Beyer also brings up another point: For example, individual components or spare parts could in future be printed directly on site as required and would not have to be kept in stock. "3D printing is redefining supply chains. Manufacturing companies will benefit from lower investments, faster market entry and shorter time-to-market," says Beyer.

According to documents from Bosch Rexroth / ag