Hello, this is HDC.
In the manufacturing industry, the word “future” is no longer a distant concept.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) Technology is already driving significant changes across production methods, supply chains, and the industrial ecosystem.
In this post Hannover Messe 2024Through the latest case studies of large-scale additive manufacturing (LFAM) covered in ,
CEAD, Siemens, HaddyWe will introduce you to the future of manufacturing that we are creating together.
especially Microfactory Let's explore why the concept is gaining attention and what it means for the industry as a whole.
This year's Hannover Messe goes beyond simply discussing the future of manufacturing.
That future The fact that it is already becoming a realityA meaningful conversation took place that showed
A panel discussion moderated by Markus Obermeier, Senior Manager, Additive Manufacturing at Siemens, brought together key figures from the large-scale additive manufacturing (LFAM) ecosystem to discuss how technologies and partnerships are transforming the industry.
In this place Haddy CEO Jay Rogers, Siemens Digital Industries' Stefanie Frank (Vice President of Machine Systems), and CEAD CEO Lucas Janssen The back was together.
The furniture industry is now ready for change.
Traditional furniture manufacturing was slow, inefficient, and physically distant from consumers.
Haddy CEO Jay Rogers put it this way:
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“It takes about a year to make furniture in Southeast Asia and ship it around the world.
Moreover, it is difficult to predict quality or lifespan.”
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To this, Haddy Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) Using technology to digitize furniture design and production,
We have introduced a method of rapid production close to consumers.
The production structure, which was limited to global supply chains, has been transformed into a hyper-local and agile system thanks to 3D printing.
At the heart of this change is CEAD's Flexbot platformThere is this.
Based on Siemens' SINUMERIK controllers, this modular, large-scale 3D printing system can produce everything from custom parts for architecture to
Large structures, even boat hulls, can be printed from thermoplastic pellets.
The Flexbot platform supports the complete process of part production by combining not only additive manufacturing but also hybrid manufacturing technologies.
It was also introduced as a key piece of equipment at Haddy's new Florida microfactory.
Currently this facility is Where are the most commercial 3D printing robots installed?It is recorded as .
Lucas Janssen, CEO of CEAD, said on the panel:
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“We are proud to supply the core infrastructure for Haddy’s microfactories.”
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▶ The Power of the LFAM Ecosystem Created by Collaboration
Such large-scale innovation Collaborative ecosystem It happens quickly inside.
CEAD's system integrates additive manufacturing, CNC machining, sanding, etc. with Siemens' SINUMERIK.
End-to-end digital production processhas been completed.
Stefanie Frank of Siemens Digital Industries emphasized:
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“SINUMERIK is an open platform designed for the manufacturing of high-precision components.
“The point of differentiation is that it can be used for both cutting and additive manufacturing.”
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CEAD and Siemens have collaborated for over eight years, and both CEAD's Flexbot and Flexcube are controlled in real time by SINUMERIK. This allows them to integrate complex multi-processes and provide an automated end-to-end solution.
Why Microfactories Are Important
Microfactories are not just a technology trend.
It symbolizes a fundamental shift in manufacturing philosophy regarding “what, where, and why we make it.”
Microfactories, which are small, flexible, and scalable, enable production close to consumers.
For Haddy, 30 million people live within a six-hour radius of its microfactory in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Haddy introduced eight Flexbots from CEAD,
We are eliminating emissions and delays caused by global transportation, reducing resource waste with LFAM technology, and realizing a circular economy.
Another great advantage is that it can flexibly handle everything from small-batch production of a variety of products to mass production.
Haddy actually received a set of furniture designed for Siemens by a British designer as a file, and had it printed and assembled in just 24 hours.
Here, the case of combining Carbon 3D's 3D-printed cushion with a wooden tabletop demonstrates the potential of microfactories.
▶ AI and additive manufacturing: a natural combination
All three panelists predicted that AI's role will continue to grow in the future.
CEAD is preparing AI-based process control, predictive maintenance, and generative design tools through data logging systems.
Haddy aims to shorten the time from idea to product by leveraging AI to enable intuitive furniture design.
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“Now, when a designer tells us his idea, we can create something beautiful based on it.
The era has arrived where we can create functional furniture.
“That’s the future promised by AI, precision robotics, and additive manufacturing.”
– Jay Rogers, Haddy CEO
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Siemens is also accelerating human-machine collaboration with AI-based industrial copilots and value chain optimization.
▶ Transformation extending across industries
Beyond the furniture industry, CEAD supports manufacturers in a variety of industries, including shipbuilding, construction, and automotive, to build microfactories.
Their strength lies in their continuous development with partners based on real-world needs.
A prime example is the Maritime Application Center (MAC) recently established by CEAD.
Here, we are conducting research on printing large boat hulls using LFAM technology in collaboration with key companies in the shipbuilding industry.
This is a prime example of how CEAD co-develops innovations with partners to solve industry-specific challenges.
