Broad knowledge of manufacturing techniques ensures future-proof industry

Broad knowledge of manufacturing techniques ensures future-proof industry

The manufacturing industry is on the move. Technological developments in robotics, additive manufacturing and sensor technology, among others, are currently moving at lightning speed. It is therefore a challenge for engineers to design technologies as efficiently as possible. Exhibitors at the Manufacturing Technology Conference demonstrate techniques that are indispensable in the high-tech design and manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing industry key driver of Dutch economy

The manufacturing industry is a key driver of the Dutch economy. Companies like ASML and Thermo Fisher Scientific are indispensable in the Dutch manufacturing ecosystem, as are countless suppliers. The industry contributes 18 percent annually to the total economy and experienced significant growth in recent years.

Parallel to this is the growth of (technological) opportunities in the manufacturing industry itself. These include manufacturing techniques such as turning, milling, additive manufacturing, injection moulding and welding. Developments in these manufacturing techniques have not stood still in recent years.

Knowledge of such techniques is indispensable for engineers and ultimately contributes to faster and better development of products that society desires. During the event on 20 June in Veldhoven, organised by Knowledge Sharing Centre, ASML, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Mikrocentrum, manufacturing companies will present their specific technologies.

Measuring to a thousandth of a millimetre

Werth is one of the exhibitors present on the show floor. The company develops measurement technologies that are used in several industrial sectors, such as the automotive, mechanical engineering and electronics industries.

Among other things, Werth will introduce visitors to multisensor technology and CT techniques during the event. "Especially the CT scan, as we all know it from the hospital, is currently finding its way into the manufacturing industry," explains Marcel Weijs, Country Manager of Werth. "We create a highly accurate digital 3D image with these measuring machines to check the quality of the most small and complex parts, such as gears, for example. With this, the quality, of both the outside and inside, can be measured and inspected down to a thousandth of a millimetre. And that is unique!"

Knowledge about CT technology is of great importance for manufacturing companies in the future, Weijs stresses. The rise of additive manufacturing, in which tiny parts are often printed, and therefore need to be checked, is one of the reasons why CT scans are booming in the manufacturing industry. In short: "They were once a 'nice to have', but have now become a 'must have' for manufacturing companies. A message we hope to convey at the conference, so that companies can fine-tune their production processes based on new insight."

Precision making machines

In addition, toolmaker GMI will be present. “We too see the need for products that need to be produced on a small scale, with increasing precision," says Jan Langerwerf, GMI's business manager. We are therefore throwing ourselves fully into this precision work, as we show at the conference. We choose to make the most complex products. From ultra clean parts, assembled in our clean room, to tools for the automotive industry, our products are often at the heart of the machine. In doing so, we combine different techniques: From turning, milling to grinding. For this, we use the most precise machines and modern measuring techniques."

Knowledge transfer is central to GMI's daily operations. Thus, the company is in close contact with (lead) engineers from other companies, whether from the region or not, in order to produce manufacturing parts together with them. "From material selection to machining methods: It is always nice to develop very complex products together. We like to be there at an early stage so that we avoid engineers having to go back to the drawing board at a later stage because there are problems with manufacturability. We also hope to contribute through our presence at the conference."

Future-proofing through automation

A third exhibitor is Etteplan, an expert in optimising and automating production processes. The company does this by providing advanced automation and robotics solutions for machines, plants and production lines to optimise the efficiency and quality of a production. "Our approach includes a combination of assembly optimisation expertise, manual and automated assembly equipment combined with knowledge in the field of joining technology," explains John Willems, Sales Manager at Etteplan.

This is important because there is limited space in the region, forcing the manufacturing industry to produce more on less square metres. In addition, there are staff shortages in the sector. "All the more important to think early on about automating processes." Etteplan, for example, helps companies automate their assembly process(es). "But also consider the use of simple, so-called 'tabletop tools', where the operator does the operation himself but is supported by automated processes." Think alignment and joining of parts.

"And sharing knowledge and experience, like at the 20 June event, is of great importance. Fortunately, you see that more and more companies in the region know how to find each other," Willems concludes.