3DPRINTUK REDEFINES THE AM PRODUCTION LANDSCAPE TO ENSURE CUSTOMER SUCCESS

In the rapidly evolving world of 3D printing / additive manufacturing (AM), the burgeoning number of production bureaux that have begun to proliferate today offers a vast spectrum of options for consumers. The surge in 3D printing bureaux asserting their readiness for production applications can be attributed to the industry& s evolving dynamics. As AM technology has matured, it has moved beyond its traditional niche of prototyping and into the realm of full-scale production. This transition is fuelled by advancements in machine capabilities, material properties, and cost efficiencies, making it viable for producing end-use parts. Recognizing this shift and the potential economic advantages, many bureaux are keen to position themselves at the forefront of this transformation, capturing the growing demand from industries seeking agile, customisable, and efficient production solutions.

But how do you tell the good from the bad?
Leading UK 3D printing service provider, 3DPRINTUK, maintains that a distinction emerges when one sifts through the sea of providers, and for customers seeking those that truly stand out in delivering production parts of impeccable quality care needs to be taken in supplier selection.Nick Allen, CEO at 3DPRINTUK says, “The capability to handle higher volumes of parts for production is an unmistakable trait of top-tier AM bureaux. Rather than merely having a multitude of machines, these bureaux prioritize both quantity and quality. It’s about harnessing the power of advanced machinery and technologies to undertake large-scale projects, ensuring precision and speed are never compromised. Thus, they can weave seamlessly between intricate custom jobs, batch production and extended production runs. However, no matter how advanced a machine is, the wisdom of experience remains irreplaceable.The most revered AM bureaux wear their years of experience like a badge of honour. With each project, they accumulate insights into materials, processes, and potential challenges. This repository of knowledge doesn’t just aid in flawless execution but also enables them to pre-empt challenges, offering proactive solutions. Moreover, their long- standing presence often means they have robust partnerships with material suppliers and other industry stakeholders, an element that subtly but significantly influences the end products quality.”Beyond the tangible, 3DPRINTUK also maintains that the very soul of a bureau, its core values, play a pivotal role. Best in class AM bureaux radiate values like passion, dedication, and innovation. There&;s a palpable zest within their teams, a fervour about realizing the untapped potentials of 3D printing. This often infectious enthusiasm cascades into an unmatched customer service experience, stemming from a genuine commitment to a project&;s success.

Allen continues, “However, passion without knowledge can be directionless. That&;s why the best AM bureaux like 3DPRINTUK are also hubs of technical expertise. Their teams are not just well-versed with current AM technologies, but are continually updating their knowledge reservoir. From understanding the nuances of material science to mastering post-processing techniques and quality assurance protocols, their expertise is comprehensive and current. An often-underestimated factor that separates the leaders from the crowd is an unwavering emphasis on quality control. For leading bureaux like us, quality isn;t a final checkpoint but a journey that begins right from the initial design assessment and meanders through post- production inspections.”

A holistic approach to AM for production ensures that every phase, from initial design consultation to final post-processing, is optimized for efficiency, quality, and cost- effectiveness. True vertical integration in this context means that an AM provider manages and controls each step of the production process in-house, offering customers the benefits of seamless communication, reduced lead times, consistent quality, and a streamlined experience, eliminating the complexities and inconsistencies that might arise when coordinating with multiple vendors. Allen concludes, “We maintain that while the landscape of AM production bureaux may seem vast, discerning eyes will recognize that merely professing to be production-focused doesn;t equate to excellence. It&;s the harmonious blend of scale, experience, core values, and unwavering commitment to quality and innovation that truly sets the best apart. Our company mission moving towards 2024 is to refresh and change the language that surrounds the use of 3D printing bureaux for production, and to ensure that as a leading bureau we always differentiate itself from less compelling alternatives and draw attention to the capabilities and values that we have that cannot be replicated. We believe in the disruptive power of AM and want ensure that customers avoid disappointment.”

ABOUT 3DPRINTUK
3DPRINTUK are specialists in low volume production using state-of-the-art powder bed fusion (PBF) 3D printing systems with polymer materials. The company bridges the void that exists between prototyping and injection moulding, such that if tooling costs are prohibitively expensive for an application that does not require the volume demanded by injection moulding, 3DPRINTUK can provide a high quality, cost-effective and fast solution. 3DPRINTUK has mastered the process of 3D printing with polymer powders, with no need for support material, virtually no layer lines and short turnaround times. The company is an ideal partner for producing one-off prototypes through to production runs of tens of thousands of parts — on demand.
www.3dprint-uk.co.uk

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Innovation at its Core: JSW Kanehiro Redefines Injection Moulding Standards

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Robot System Integration in the Plastics Sector: Building a Successful Partnership

System integrators (SIs) in the plastics sector serve as a valuable link between robot suppliers and automation end-users, providing industry-specific automation advice to he companies improve their efficiency, as well as building standard or bespoke automation systems that allow manufacturers to benefit from the latest robotic technology. Leading robot manufacturer FANUC has worked with Hi-Tech Automation as its plastics SI partner for over 15 years, during which time the skills required to be a successful integrator have evolved. Since the introduction of the IIoT, many of today’s factories are smart and connected, 24/7. Being able to integrate a robot into an existing line therefore requires more than mechanical capabilities; like Hi-Tech, today’s SIs must also possess a high level of programming and other software skills to ensure that factory managers are able to receive a constant flow of data to enhance their manufacturing operation, as well as for transparency and reporting purposes.

Programming prowess + mechanical muscle
Dan Fisher is the Partner Sales Manager for FANUC UK and has seen this evolution ramp up over the past few years. “Factory managers now expect instant information on a product’s position in the manufacturing lifecycle. FANUC’s robots are known for being simple to install, easy to programmed and user-friendly. But being able to integrate a robot into what is in effect a mini warehouse management system is nevertheless a crucial skill for an SI. This includes being proficient across multiple programming languages. However, while lots of engineers are software savvy, some lack traditional mechanical skills that are still essential to a successful automation installation, such welding, guarding and fabricating. For this reason, we ensure that any SI we work with not only demonstrates strong programming abilities but is also supported by a network of mechanical engineers.”Reliability for life
The majority of automation system integrators are independent service providers, meaning they can specify robots from a variety of manufacturers. Deciding which automation company to partner with is an important choice that can make or break a project, as Gary Probert, Director of Hi Tech Automation, explains: “We deliver standard and bespoke automated injection moulding systems for the plastics sector and have been a FANUC system integrator partner for over 15 years, most commonly specifying their ROBOSHOT all- electric injection moulding machine. For us, reliability is key – when dealing with a new customer, it’s important that the first installation goes well as that sets the tone for the rest of the relationship. Using FANUC products means we can be sure that the project will be right first time. Their equipment is built to last. They’re also one of the only robot companies that manufacture every part of the robot themselves – motors, drives,everything. It reflects badly on us if a system breaks down so knowing the base robot is rock solid is a real advantage.”
Gary adds: “In addition, as 90% of the systems we sell have something extra on them – for example, integrated vision or auxiliary axes – it helps that we are able to get it all from FANUC. There’s no need for us to go to another supplier, which keeps things simple and reduces the risk to the client.” As Gary mentions, for the customer, working with a system integrator is a sure-fire way to derisk an automation installation project. Responsibility lies with one SI, rather a number of external suppliers – and SIs also bring with them sector-specific knowledge and expertise which individual robot suppliers may not possess. This view is echoed by FANUC’s Dan Fisher, who states: “For the customer, working with an SI partner that only operates within your chosen sector – in Hi-Tech’s case, plastics – is a real bonus. They will understand the challenges you’re looking to overcome, the pitfalls you want to avoid, and the advantages you expect to make from your automation installation. From FANUC’s perspective, while we’re the expert in our own range of products, we may not know everything about each sector in which our robots are employed. To ensure the customer gets the right solution, at the right price, and that it works as intended for their particular application, dealing with an SI like Hi-Tech, who have specialist sector knowledge, is a fast-track to success.”

Ongoing support
This works both ways, however. To ensure the customer gets the very best out of their automation solution, it is imperative that the SI understands the full capabilities of any robot, machine or ancillary equipment that they are specifying. FANUC treats its SI partners as extensions of its in-house sales teams and provides training for up to 30 employees from their company throughout the year. As well as ensuring they are comprehensively trained on FANUC’s entire product portfolio, it also offers specialist courses in ever-evolving areas such as vision, safety (e.g., Dual Check Safety software), and simulation (e.g., FANUC ROBOGUIDE) to keep them up to date with the very latest in automation technology.

Immediate response
FANUC’s support extends beyond training to offer a complete wraparound service. “We have dedicated engineering support and software support teams, and a specialist integrator hotline which puts our SI partners through to FANUC technical experts within seconds,” says Dan Fisher. “While the reliability of our products is obviously important, the real difference to an SI is knowing that technical knowledge and support is there, whenever and wherever they need it. When we work with a system integrator, we’re building a long-term relationship. And just as our partnership with Hi-Tech Automation demonstrates, we want to remain connected in 10 or 20 years’ time.”

Live automation demonstration
FANUC UK and Hi-Tech Automation are showcasing the benefits of their combined technological know-how on stand D60 at Interplas 2023, 26-28 Sept, NEC, Birmingham. Their live on-stand automated manufacturing cell comprises a FANUC all-electric ROBOSHOT injection molding machine, a FANUC LR-10iA 6-axis robot arm and ancillary equipment provided by Hi-Tech Automation, highlighting the duo’s end-to-end sustainability credentials from raw material handling to final packaging.

About FANUC
The FANUC Corporation is one of the worldwide leaders in factory automation for CNC control systems, robots and production machinery (ROBODRILL, ROBOCUT and ROBOSHOT). Since 1956, FANUC is the pioneer in the development of numerically controlled machines in the automation industry. With 271 FANUC locations worldwide and more than 8,000 employees, FANUC offers a dense network in sales, technical support, research & development, logistics and customer service.
www.fanuc.com

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DIMENSIONICS DENSITY Central To Key Focus at Formnext  2023

Dimensionics Density reported a surge in interest and engagement with its innovative automated density determination technology at Formnext 2023, reinforcing the trend in the additive manufacturing (AM) sector towards cost-effective, reliable, and automated technologies appropriate for volume production applications.

Philipp Pruesse, Head of Sales at Dimensionics Density says “To say we were overwhelmed by the interest we received from attendees at Formnext would be an understatement, and in the days since the show, we have been busy securing commercial engagement from companies across industry. We are convinced that the level of interest is because our automated density determination technology exists at the sweet spot of demand in the AM ecosystem, where validation and automation are critical. Validation in AM is crucial when the technology is used for production because it ensures the reliability and quality of 3D printed parts, especially in industries where safety and precision are paramount, like aerospace and healthcare. Automated solutions in the AM ecosystem are essential because they enhance efficiency, reduce human error, and enable scalability, allowing for faster and more consistent production of complex parts at volume.”

Dimensionics Density’s density determination technology elevates the classic Archimedes principle to new heights of precision, speed, and repeatability through the integration of advanced automation technology. The density determination process is meticulously designed for maximum accuracy. Samples are carefully placed within an innovatively crafted component carrier, featuring strategically positioned openings for measurement precision. These carriers glide through the system, guided by a robotic arm that ensures central and exact placement onto the vibration-insulated scales.A specialized lift-out rack equipped with pins resides on the scales, adeptly raising the sample out of the carrier, allowing for an unobstructed weighing process. This automation is key, consistently eliminating the variable of human error and guaranteeing uniform placement on the scales every time. Complementing this precision hardware, the system is armed with climate sensors that monitor and record every nuance of the environment –temperature, air pressure, and water temperature. These readings are not merely observed they are integrated into a sophisticated evaluation algorithm, ensuring that each density measurement is corrected for ambient conditions, delivering results with uncompromising accuracy. Of key importance is that the process is designed to be used in busy production settings, not in the lab.

Pruesse concludes, “Our density determination technology has already been adopted by among other companies FKM (Germany’s largest full-service powder bed fusion 3D printing bureau), and has been independently reviewed by Fraunhofer IAPT and recognised as a good fit for applications where a statement on the density has to be made quickly or frequently, therefore making it appropriate for volume production scenarios. The engagements that we made at this year’s Formnext event will ensure that we continue to support companies looking to optimise their quality control processes, giving confidence in outcomes, and therefore cementing the position of AM as a disruptive and agile production technology.”

ABOUT
Dimensionics Density is part of Dimensionics GmbH, founded in 2010, and with a proud heritage in developing measuring and testing technologies. As such, Dimensionics Density is able to draw on the strength and expertise of a global measurement technology specialist that sets standards in the field, with a focus on high-quality off-the-shelf or fully customised and completely automated measuring solutions. Since its inception, Dimensionics has had a complete focus on customer success, and this expertise and passion to succeed is also the hall mark of Dimensionics Density, which has a total focus on developing innovative solutions for the measurement of part density, vital for the validation of parts produced on an array of AM technology platforms.
www.dimensionics-density.com

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INEOS STYROLUTION’S SUSTAINABLE NAS ECO SELECTED CUTS CO2 EMISSIONS BY 93% IN HEALTHCARE APPLICATION

Eco-inject, an innovative UK based solution provider for the healthcare industry1, announced today that they have selected INEOS Styrolution’s sustainable NAS ECO material for a new generation of single use autoinjectors.
The new Eco-inject solution has been specifically designed to meet the needs of a growing healthcare market, combining environmental sustainability with cost reduction. The new autoinjector line offers intuitive usability and versatility at lower cost; reduced plastic waste; and a housing case based on bio-attributed polymers. It is available for 1ml or 2.25ml pre-filled syringes in a single device configuration.
The company has selected INEOS Styrolution’s NAS ECO 21 BC70 for the housings of the new line.
NAS ECO 21 is a styrene acrylic copolymer that is ideally suited for applications demanding a strong, stiff, water-clear plastic resin with excellent thermal stability. NAS ECO is made using renewable feedstock, based on a mass balance process certified under ISCC PLUS. The grade offers properties such as transparency, high surface quality, and low density. The CFR (Carbon Footprint Reduction) of this grade is 93%. John Palmer-Felgate, industrial designer with a career spanning more than two decades and founder of Eco-inject, says: “At Eco-inject, we focus on solutions that are both economic and ecofriendly. We are striving for sustainability and elegance while also reducing cost of goods. With INEOS Styrolution’s sustainable ECO materials, we can achieve just that. Using bio-based plastics dramatically reduces the carbon footprint of autoinjector devices, allowing them to meet increasingly stringent healthcare sustainability criteria. This will allow consumers to continue to benefit from using these self-administered devices in their own homes”. Bernd Elbert, Business Development Manager ECO & Market Development at INEOS Styrolution, adds: “It is exciting to see the healthcare segment embracing our sustainable ECO materials. It is particularly inspiring to work with a company that shares similar values as INEOS Styrolution and is ready to explore new alternatives with a holistic approach addressing user needs and innovative design”.About INEOS Styrolution
INEOS Styrolution is the world’s leading styrenics supplier, with a high-performing portfolio of styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS Standard and styrenic specialty products. With more than 90 years of innovation in materials science, INEOS Styrolution is focused on customer satisfaction with differentiated solutions that provide a competitive edge as well as investments in technology that enable closed loop recyclability for styrenics while reducing our carbon emissions. INEOS Styrolution applications can be found in many everyday products across multiple industries: including automotive, electronics, household, construction, healthcare, packaging, and toys/sports. Operating 16 production sites in nine countries, the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of INEOS Group Limited and employs approximately 3,100 people. Sales were 6.6 billion euros in 2022.

In 2023, INEOS marks 25 years since its inception
On 5 May 1998, the first deal was signed to buy former BP site at Antwerp from INSPEC under the INEOS name, with 300 staff at a cost of £80m. Since this first deal, INEOS has completed hundreds of deals in petrochemicals, oil & gas, and energy growing to a $65bn revenue group with 36 businesses in 29 countries and 26,000 staff. Over recent years, INEOS has expanded beyond the industrial heart with investment in consumer brands, sports and charities. What defines INEOS is its scale, people and culture; asking the big questions to tackle global challenges – with grit, rigour and humour. And with remarkable people, achieving extraordinary outcomes. 25 years is a moment in time, to look back on what has been built and to look forward to what is to come. INEOS is ambitious and continues to look for new opportunities and go for growth. Follow the INEOS journey and see where it leads.
www.ineos-styrolution.com

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Net-Zero Chemicals Industry Initiative Relaunches as the Global Impact Coalition 

• The CEO-led chemical industry initiative, incubated by the World Economic Forum, has been relaunched as the Global Impact Coalition (GIC).
• The new standalone Coalition has been created by seven founding member chemical companies and is supported by more than 70 senior industry executives.
• The first tangible project to accelerate the implementation of chemical and mechanical recycling for plastics was also launched in 2023.
To drive the global chemical industry on a path to net-zero emissions by 2050, the Low- Carbon Emitting Technologies (LCET) initiative, incubated and hosted by the World Economic Forum for more than three years, has now officially launched as the independent Impact Coalition.

With a suite of leading-edge projects, the CEO-led coalition, founded by BASF, SABIC, Clariant, LyondellBasell, the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, and Solvay will focus on accelerating the development and upscaling of low-carbon emitting technologies for chemical production and related value chains. With a focus on innovation, partnerships, and the development of net-zero production methods, the new Coalition can make an important contribution to carbon neutrality and sustainable growth. After over three years of incubation within the World Economic Forum and led by tangible results in the decarbonization space, we are delighted to witness the Global Impact Coalition emerge as an independent legal entity,” said Børge Brende, President, World Economic Forum. “We are dedicated to nurturing our strong relationship, bolstering sustainability andinnovation within the chemicals sector.”

Leading Demonstration Projects
The Coalition will incubate projects with a proven approach pioneered by the LCET. Example projects coming from Coalition member companies:
The R&D Hub for Plastic Waste Processing – which will focus on developing new technologies for waste processing with a lower CO 2 footprint and greater levels of plastic waste recycling.
Electrically Heated Steam Cracker Furnace – collaboration to construct the world’s first demonstration plant for large-scale electrically heated steam cracker furnaces.Marking a milestone
The Coalition is a collaboration of incubation of low carbon emittance technologies in the chemical industry, supported by an expert community of more than seventy senior chemical industry executives. Its transition from a World Economic Forum initiative into the new, independent Coalition marks an important milestone and has been made possible by its founders. I see immense potential in reshaping the chemical industry's impact on our planet. One of our goals is in forging new pathways to achieve this, through collaboration, business model transformation, and solid partnerships that create true value in our drive to a net zero future. I am extremely excited to lead the charge, focused on less talk, more results”, said Charlie Tan, Global Impact Coalition’s Chief Executive Officer. At the cornerstone of the global economy, the chemical industry provides essential materials, technologies and building blocks for 95% of all manufactured goods. As a crucial part ofalmost all sectors, sourcing and using alternative and sustainable sources of carbon will have an important impact in the fight against climate change.

About Global Impact Coalition
The Global Impact Coalition (GIC) is dedicated to transforming the chemical industry to net- zero by 2050. Originally incubated at the World Economic Forum, the GIC is now a Swiss based venture formed by BASF, SABIC, Clariant, Covestro, LyondellBasell, Mitsubishi Chemical Group, and Solvay, with the aim of jointly accelerating the development and scaling of low-carbon technologies for chemical production and related value chains. As the industry’s first ever CEO-led coalition, the GIC will create and foster new partnerships to address challenges that cannot be effectively tackled in isolation. The GIC serves as a dynamic platform to catalyze impactful projects and R&D collaborations with a core focus on the implementation of technological, value chain, regulatory, financial, and market-related solutions towards meeting sustainable objectives. Join us on the path to deploy low-carbon emitting technologies at scale and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
www.globalimpactcoaliton.com

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