Editorial
Scarcity in abundance...
... is the paradox of the fading coronavirus pandemic. The global economy wants to grow again.
Demand is there, but then there is also an unexpected shortage: for example, companies whose order books are filled to the brim - and yet are running out of money because they lack important materials for production. In the end, you can only write an invoice when the finished product is with the customer. But the shortage of skilled workers is also making itself felt: the few good school leavers are faced with an army of experienced employees who retire year after year. It's not just a German problem: there is also a shortage of skilled workers, semiconductors and truck drivers in the USA. For a long time, companies have not had to deal with the problem that resources are not available in unlimited quantities.
There are many ways to deal with the "shortage" challenge, but the best is probably digitalization. Networking makes it possible to identify bottlenecks at an early stage and automatically identify a replacement or workaround. Digitalization also allows resources to be used more efficiently and sustainably. It can even alleviate staffing problems by saving employees from repetitive and monotonous work. Young employees in particular have grown up thinking digitally and want to see this reflected in their working environment. Digital processes are not only financially rewarding, but also motivate employees.
Our focus in this issue, additive manufacturing, is decisively determined by digital processes. Take a look at the practical examples and innovations we have compiled for you!
Yours
Daniel Schilling
Editor-in-Chief INDUSTRIAL Production
You might also be interested in
Clever solutions for sensitive gripping
Innovative systems and exciting world premieres? That's what visitors will find at productronica in Munich from November 18 to 21. In Hall B3 at Stand 301, vacuum specialist Schmalz will be showcasing efficient and future-oriented handling systems -...
read more...Proprietary plastic compounds for extreme conditions
Cables must reliably transmit energy, data and signals, even in extreme cold or heat or under heavy mechanical stress. Specially developed plastics ensure that the cables remain robust and resistant. Lapp produces its own plastic compounds.
read more...Efficiency comparison of 3D printing, CNC manufacturing and injection molding
3D printing, CNC manufacturing or injection molding? When designers are looking for the most suitable manufacturing process for an individual component, they often lose time and also quickly lose track. Igus is changing this with the Triboteile...
read more...Heat transfer and additive manufacturing
Conflux Technology enters the hypercar sector
Pagani has announced the signing of a six-year contract with Conflux to integrate Conflux heat exchangers into the transmission of its latest exclusive model, the Pagani Utopia, further advancing additive manufacturing in the hypercar industry.
read more...Metal foam and PFAS replacement improve environmental balance
Metal foam contains up to 90 percent air and has amazing properties. In the factory, it ensures greater sustainability and helps to improve the environmental balance in industrial production.
read more...PFAS alternatives with high performance
Igus wants to set an example for innovation and sustainability and will be presenting new products at HMI 2025, including PTFE-free materials and products made from recycled material.
read more...No splinters, no maintenance
New properties also apply to load carriers in logistics and intralogistics processes. Craemer's portfolio includes high-quality returnable load carriers that are hard-wearing, versatile, maintenance-free and recyclable.
read more...Tensile strength of 3D components
Voxelfill strategy overcomes inhomogeneous strengths in 3D printing
The company AIM3D has succeeded in demonstrating the advantages of the patented voxelfill process. Strength tests now prove that this process can overcome inhomogeneous strengths of 3D components in the X, Y and Z axes and thus comes close to...
read more...Lubrication-free plain bearing materials...
Igus focuses on the development of PFAS-free materials
And again the topic of PFAS: The new "endurance material" Iglidur JPF complements the wide range of wear-resistant PFAS and PTFE-free polymer bearings. Igus is thus preparing for new regulations.
read more...