While it is becoming increasingly obvious that additive manufacturing (AM) is the wave of the future, there are still some challenges that need to be overcome. Since 2012, Authentise, a developer of data-driven process automation software for 3D printing, has focused on creating those solutions.
Along the way, forming partnerships has been key to its success, such as an early collaboration with Microsoft that enabled an integration of its aMES platform into cloud-based software and a partnership with Addiguru to integrate computer vision and AI into its 3D printing software. Continuing that tradition, the company has added more names to its list of partners, including Hexagon and nebumind.
The Authentise and Hexagon partnership, which was announced in April, is aimed at digitalizing the AM process from start to finish to increase predictability, repeatability and traceability. That connectivity from the design phase through quality assurance has been a missing piece that the two companies are focused on making easier.
“We are excited to combine Hexagon’s solutions with our open workflow management engine to offer a unique end-to-end solution platform,” said Andre Wegner, Authentise CEO. “Integrating data from Hexagon’s best-of-breed software and sensors helps deliver a seamless experience for users, automation across their process, and unlocks the ability to learn from data. This partnership represents a step change for the industry—together we’re delivering the integrated digital thread for additive manufacturing that customers have sought for so long.”
Data is key in any business. When it comes to AM, easily connecting that data has been a missing piece of the puzzle. As data pours in from shop floor to material usage to quality, not having a seamless tool to bring it together has made mass production and design improvements difficult. The two companies have their sights set on digitalizing all of the different facets in open architectures using an array of methods, including AI, machine learning, and statistical process control.
“For manufacturers, AM is a complex and changing market with many excellent tools, printers and materials to apply,” said Mathieu Pérennou, global business development director for Additive Manufacturing, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence division. “We believe our open and flexible systems will enable us to respond quickly to customer's needs and integrate with their unique environments. This will connect the data flow and help streamline their workflows in all stages of the AM process—before, during and after production and support their specific standards or compliance needs.”
While Authentise and nebumind announced their partnership back in November, they received additional funding in May from the EU. This partnership aims to enhance the accessibility of digital threads for AM users, especially identifying problem zones in printed parts to shorten inspection time and increase accuracy.
“The support is incredibly meaningful not only to our joint ability to execute as planned but to the market in general,” said Caroline Albert, nebumind co-CEO. “Enabling integration of digital solutions such as nebumind and Authentise in this way boosts the value to industrial customers who are already overwhelmed with a plethora of different tools and reduces the reliance on solutions sourced from single vendors.”
This partnership is integrating nebumind’s digital twin visualizations into the aMES workflow management system. Using sensor data and machine parameters, it allows for a true virtual representation of data. The results will be more precise, leading to faster analysis of part quality and process stability while also incorporating the much-needed traceability factor for parts. This digital representation will allow for automated actions, system optimization reports, and order updates, which according to both companies, may result in a 90 percent reduction in rejected parts.
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