The Rise of Additive Manufacturing in Rapidly Deployed Custom Industrial Automation Machines

As an expert with over a decade of experience in building industrial automation machines, I've witnessed a dramatic shift in the industry. The demand for customized solutions, faster deployment times, and increased flexibility has never been higher. One technology that's playing a critical role in meeting these demands is additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing.

Additive manufacturing allows us to create complex parts and components layer by layer from digital designs, using materials like plastics, metals, and composites. This technology is revolutionizing how we design, build, and deploy custom industrial automation machines, offering significant advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. And companies like SEYMOUR Advanced Technologies are leading the charge by leveraging AM to deliver truly innovative solutions.

Green state 3D printed, after sintering and after isotropic polish.

Benefits of Additive Manufacturing in Industrial Automation

• Rapid Prototyping and Iteration: AM enables rapid prototyping of parts and tooling, allowing for quick iteration and design optimization. This significantly reduces lead times and accelerates the development process.

• Customization and Complexity: AM excels at producing complex geometries and intricate designs that are impossible or cost-prohibitive with traditional methods. This opens up new possibilities for creating highly customized automation solutions tailored to specific applications.

• On-Demand Manufacturing: AM allows for on-demand manufacturing of parts, eliminating the need for extensive inventories and reducing storage costs. This is particularly beneficial for low-volume production runs and spare parts.

• Lightweighting and Material Efficiency: AM enables the production of lightweight parts with optimized material usage, leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced material waste.

• Integration of Multiple Components: AM allows for the consolidation of multiple parts into a single, optimized design, reducing assembly time and improving overall performance.

  
  

SEYMOUR Advanced Technologies: A Leader in Automation Machinery Powered by AM

SEYMOUR Advanced Technologies is at the forefront of this revolution, utilizing a vertically integrated manufacturing approach that combines additive and subtractive manufacturing processes in-house. This enables them to achieve incredibly fast turnaround times – as little as 2 hours for plastic parts and up to a week for metal components. This rapid production capability is a game-changer for clients who require custom automation solutions with short lead times.

Applications of Additive Manufacturing in Industrial Automation

• Robotic End-Effectors: AM is ideal for creating customized robotic end-effectors tailored to specific tasks and objects. These end-effectors can incorporate complex geometries, integrated sensors, and optimized gripping mechanisms for improved dexterity and performance.

• Machine Vision Fixtures and Mounts: AM enables the rapid production of custom fixtures and mounts for machine vision systems, ensuring precise camera positioning and optimal image capture for inspection and guidance tasks.

• 3D Vision System Components: AM can be used to create specialized housings, brackets, and mounts for 3D vision systems, enabling seamless integration into complex automation setups.

• Customized Tooling and Jigs: AM allows for the on-demand production of customized tooling and jigs for specific manufacturing processes, reducing setup times and improving production efficiency.

• Spare Parts and Repairs: AM enables the on-site production of spare parts and the repair of damaged components, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.

  
  

Real-World Examples

• A leading automotive manufacturer uses AM to produce customized robotic grippers for handling delicate car parts, improving production efficiency and reducing damage.

• A pharmaceutical company utilizes AM to create complex fixtures for machine vision systems that inspect vials for defects, ensuring product quality and safety.

• A food processing plant uses AM to produce on-demand spare parts for its packaging machines, minimizing downtime and reducing inventory costs.

  

  Markforge Onyx, 6061-T6, Desktop Metal 17-4

  
  

The Future of Additive Manufacturing in Industrial Automation

The future of AM in industrial automation is bright. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect:

• Improved Material Properties: Advancements in materials science will lead to the development of new materials with enhanced properties, such as higher strength, increased heat resistance, and improved biocompatibility.

• Increased Production Speed: Continuous improvements in AM processes and equipment will lead to faster production speeds, making AM even more competitive with traditional manufacturing methods.

• Greater Automation and Integration: AM will become increasingly integrated with other Industry 4.0 technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), enabling fully automated and optimized production processes.

  
  

Conclusion

Additive manufacturing is a game-changer for the industrial automation industry. Its ability to produce customized, complex, and lightweight parts on demand is transforming how we design, build, and deploy automation solutions. Companies like SEYMOUR Advanced Technologies are at the forefront of this revolution, leveraging AM's potential to deliver innovative and efficient solutions with unprecedented speed. By embracing AM, machine builders and end-users can achieve faster lead times, improved flexibility, and increased efficiency, ultimately gaining a competitive edge in today's rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.

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