AMFG to Showcase New Post-Production Management Solutions at Formnext 2018

AMFG has revealed details of its new Post-Processing Scheduling and digital quality assurance (QA) management solutions for its AM workflow automation software at this week’s Formnext trade show. 

The first of the new offerings, the Post-Processing Scheduling solution, allows users to plan and allocate the resources needed to fulfil any additional post-processing requirements. Completed builds are automatically moved to the platform’s dedicated Post-Processing page, where post-processing actions can be allocated to the appropriate production jobs, prioritized and marked as completed when done. For full traceability, the date and time of all part status updates are logged centrally in the system. 

“The range of post-processing actions required after production can vary enormously according to technology, material used and other factors,” says AMFG CEO Keyvan Karimi. “Our Post-Processing Scheduling solution simplifies this process by allowing companies to optimise their resources, and provides the right sequence necessary to ensure that parts are finished to the correct specifications.”

AMFG Production Management Scheduling. Image courtesy of AMFG.

In conjunction with its Post-Processing Scheduling solution, AMFG also has its eyes set on quality assurance for additive production. To this end, it has developed a beta version of its digital QA management tool, allowing users to import part documentation, such as reports, data sheets and 3D images, and compare these specifications to the physical, 3D-printed part.

The software logs the data history for each part, giving users access to the data specifications without having to leave the platform. Powered by connectivity with scanning systems and sensors, the feature gives users a full view of all dimensions and parameters of a part thanks to the platform’s 3D viewer. 

“We’re committed to ensuring continuous production for AM,” says Karimi. “Our robust production management solutions, in addition to our latest offerings for post-production management, ensure that there is a fluid flow across the production process. We’re currently working on developing ways to enrich this even further by leveraging our machine learning technology, for example to investigate the root causes of any build failures and provide corrective actions.”

In related news, AMFG will also be demonstrating new post-production management solutions to its AI-driven software platform at Formnext. The new solutions include a tool that helps users identify parts post-build, a new post-processing scheduling system and a quality assurance (QA) management tool.

One of the key features AMFG will be demonstrating at Formnext is its Digital Part Identification tool, which allows production engineers to automatically identify finished parts post-build, so as to compare them to requirements and prepare them for additional post-processing and delivery. In addition, the tool can be used within the platform to:

• communicate with project and planning teams in real time, e.g. to provide project and part status updates; and
• conduct quality assurance checks and logistics management.

“Working closely with leading OEMs, we’ve identified a need for a comprehensive post-production management solution, which we’re excited to be showcasing at Formnext,” says Keyvan Karimi, CEO of AMFG. “Our Digital Part Identification tool is just one of the ways we’re enabling manufacturers to ensure a fully seamless, continuous workflow from one stage of production to the next.”

Another feature of the tool allows users to track the rate of successful vs. failed parts, with all failed parts automatically returned to the platform’s internal production queue to be reproduced. The platform is also able to use data imported from barcode readers, sensors and other sources to provide essential part specification requirements during the part identification stage. 

“With all of this data available, it’s becoming increasingly important for companies to ensure full visibility across teams and facilities,” says Karimi. “That’s why the Digital Part Identification tool comes with real-time status updates that are logged within the system. Essentially, we’re providing project and production teams with the means to connect operational planning with what is happening directly on the production floor. We’re looking forward to demonstrating this and the rest of our production management solutions at Formnext.”

Visitors to AMFG’s stand at Formnext in Hall 3.0 F68 will also be able to use the Digital Part Identification tool to identify real-life 3D-printed parts.

Sources: Press materials received from the company.