In 2011 it is the fourth time that the Digital Factory fair at HANNOVER MESSE (4 to 8 April) features the RapidX special display. And, as always, the display traces today’s largely digital product creation processes, from initial concept, to development, right through to production. One of the key differences, however, is that RapidX 2011 demonstrates with unprecedented clarity and focus the kinds of flexibility gains and development cycle reductions made possible by state-of-the art technology.
The process chain begins with the transition from the sketches of the initial product idea to CAD models. PTC’s new Creo software application demonstrates the speed with which such models can be modified to accommodate customers’ different product handling requirements. For instance, handling a raw egg requires a FinGripper of a different size and configuration to one that is used for manipulating crank shafts. As the next step in the digital process chain, CADFEM checks this alternative model data for consistency and optimization potential using the latest ANSYS simulation software. “Magics”, a data and process management application developed by Belgian company Materialise, represents the next link in the chain. It analyses the CAD data’s suitability for laser sintering and then positions the models in a way that makes optimum use of the sintering machine’s capacity. In the final step, EOS demonstrates the additive production of the FinGripper using a laser sintering machine. The RapidX display clearly shows how digital technology can be used to speed up product development and provide an interactive interface that enables manufacturers to actively involve their customers in the product development process right from the concept stage.
The world’s leading showcase for industrial technology is staged annually in Hannover, Germany. The current HANNOVER MESSE has already started… and you can still come here to discover the fast factory concept… as well as many other new products and technologies. 4 to 8 April 2011 http://www.hannovermesse.de/
...Do not miss the Swiss booth at the entrance of the Hall 4... and don’t hesitate to pick up your free copy of Eurotec there.
