Serial production
iFactory3D had the unique opportunity to be one of only four start-ups represented at the Navigator Festival in the Congress Center of Messe Düsseldorf. The invitation from the Düsseldorf Wirtschaftsförderung was both a great opportunity and an honor. Being represented at this AI-oriented event underlines the importance of digital innovations for analog topics such as production.
Automation of additive manufacturing: Even more efficient with AI
Since 2020, iFactory3D has been working hard to advance the automation of production processes. The technology of automated manufacturing is aimed at a wide range of industries, from automotive to mechanical engineering, but also at small entrepreneurs and inventors. The latest project in collaboration with the SKZ aims to improve the quality and efficiency of 3D printing processes with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The SKZ – Plastics Center in Southern Germany – is a leading institution for research, development and training in the field of plastics technology. The collaboration between iFactory3D and SKZ indicates a strategic partnership aimed at pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing through the use of AI and other innovative technologies. SKZ’s expertise in the field of plastics technology and iFactory3D’s innovative strength will enable new solutions to be developed that will further improve the efficiency and quality of additive manufacturing.
At the heart of this project is an adaptive learning process that enables the conveyor belt printers to independently check the quality of their print objects and optimize the fine settings for the printing process on their own. The special feature of 3D conveyor belt printers, namely the continuous print bed, is used for this purpose. This makes it possible to finish and restart prints without human interaction.
The innovation conveyor belt concept of iFactory3D
The innovative conveyor belt concept from iFactory3D is a milestone in the additive manufacturing industry. It enables cost-effective and efficient series production of up to 20,000 units. In contrast to conventional production methods, which often require manual work and are therefore prone to human error, the conveyor belt concept largely automates the production process. By using automation technologies and AI-controlled processes, the conveyor belt concept optimizes not only the efficiency but also the quality of production. It minimizes downtime, reduces waste and enables consistently high product quality. This is particularly important in times of skills shortages, as companies are looking for solutions to maximize their production capacity while reducing their reliance on skilled labor.
In addition, the conveyor belt concept offers flexibility and scalability to meet the ever-changing demands of the market. It is able to handle different product variants and sizes and can be easily adapted to new requirements if necessary. This allows companies to react quickly to market changes and strengthen their competitiveness.
An inspiring atmosphere at the Navigator Festival
The Navigator Festival was a unique opportunity for iFactory3D to present its innovations to a wide audience and receive valuable feedback from industry experts and interested parties. The event provided an inspiring platform to further expand the use of AI for 3D printing as well as internal company processes.
The honorable mention by the mayor of Düsseldorf during his opening speech was particularly gratifying. His recognition of start-ups such as iFactory3D underlines the importance of this work for the future viability of the region and the role that a hardware company and service provider also play in promoting innovation and economic growth.
Diverse presentations and important messages on the topic of AI
The presentations at the Navigator Festival were varied and offered valuable insights into the possibilities of AI for companies. One of the exciting speakers was Hamidreza Hosseini, a renowned expert with more than 24 years of experience in the field of technology and digital transformation. Since 2020, the MIT graduate has been an early user of OpenAI/GPT and an advocate of advanced AI technologies.
In his presentation at the Navigator Festival, Hosseini emphasized the importance of technological openness in Germany in order to remain competitive and not lose touch with international developments. With his conscious decision to return to Germany, he is sending a clear signal that young talents should follow. In order not to lose this talent, it is important to drive innovation forward, in the digital sector of course, but also in other fields such as iFactory3D.
The importance of iFactory3D for digital transformation
iFactory3D is proud not only to be a pioneer in the field of additive manufacturing, but also to contribute to other important topics such as sustainability, decentralization and production standards. In combination with intelligent systems, entire processes can be holistically reorganized. The success at the Navigator Festival shows that digital transformation can be applied not only in theory but also in practice to make a real impact.