ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
Te latest and most advanced model in this series is the recently launched Pro 3. Tis was followed by new AM platforms, the L and XL, which introduce a series of platforms with larger build volumes. Tey key behind these machines lies in what the market research showed. What users required, and where the gap in the market existed, was for a reasonably priced but above all easy-to-use, intuitive, accurate tool that could be used at every stage of the product development cycle. Te company was effectively challenged to come up with solutions that optimised the price/ performance ratio.
THE AM PLATFORM RANGE Te firm’s industrial AM machines vary in cost from approximately €3,000 to €15,000 depending on the build envelope required, and therefore present robust manufacturing solutions at an affordable price point. Te full range of industrial AM machines is backed up by an array of ancillary products and services and pro-active post-sale “partnership” which is expected when companies adopt AM for manufacturing applications. All of this is in response to the feedback from industry that focused heavily on ease of integration of AM platforms into their product development and manufacturing processes. As with every industry where new
disruptive technology providers are jostling for position, there are numerous claims made that in some instances are difficult to justify or back up. Tis is helpful to no-one, and in the end is detrimental to the entire sector as manufacturers end up with sub-optimal solutions and lose faith in the power of AM to stimulate innovation and make accurate and often complex parts repeatably. Functionality is included in the
company’s industrial AM platforms that remove many of the tiresome and time- consuming aspects that characterise some other AM platforms. Tis is achieved through the incorporation of automated motorised calibration, a highly innovative quick-swap print-head solution, extremely fast rotation of print-heads in the dual head configuration; and a dedicated flexplate, supplied as standard to easily and quickly remove printed parts. In addition, the company’s industrial AM platforms all offer extremely quick heat-up and cool-down print heads, meaning that the dual head print times are reduced by a factor of two. Overall
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www.engineerlive.com
Felix’s industrial machines offer robust manufacturing solutions
temperature control has been considerably improved on the Pro 3 and the L and XL platforms that together with optimal object cooling with dual high power blowers, results in more consistent extrusion of filament and consequently more accurate print results.
Te industrial AM platforms also feature
new touchscreen modules, with integrated print-server. Tese are small and powerful octacore computers, which makes the user’s life easier by providing a smooth and intuitive user interface, real time remote webcam monitoring, multi-user control via a web interface, print file management, WiFi and Ethernet connectivity, the ability to render g-codes, and the ability to create a time lapse of the print. With all these features aimed precisely
at the articulated industry demand for robust, accurate and easy-to-use intuitive industrial AM platforms, the focus is on the seamless integration of these AM machines into existing industrial workflows. Tis overcomes a common obstacle to the incorporation of AM in many manufacturing facilities, as operators often perceive that they will cause upheaval and disturb existing and successful product development and manufacturing processes. It is only through understanding this by undertaking extensive market research
that Felix Printers has been successful in its transition to incorporate industrial AM platforms into its existing maker- and education-targeted machine portfolio. Internally at the company there is an obsessive focus on AM platforms that produce optimised print results repeatably. When coupled with the use of best-in-class components that make these AM platforms robust and reliable, it becomes easier to see why the company is now establishing itself as a successful player in the market for industrial AM machines for manufacturing applications.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL As many industrial sectors have shifted their manufacturing workflow to incorporate additive manufacturing, Felix Printers has repositioned itself and its portfolio to serve the changing needs of industry. Tis has been achieved through careful attention to detail, listening to what customers say and developing products and features to meet their needs. Te Pro 3 and XL platforms meet these expectations and more.
Aad Janszen is founder of DutchICT Group.
www.ict.eu
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