Since the official launch of the Freeformer, Arburg has worked hard to push the capabilities of the machine forward. This has included several developments in terms of materials, applications and accessibility.
Quick reminder, the system is designed for automation and process integrationand integrates a two-part build chamber door that can be opened to insert the part platform or remove the finished part. Above and beyond the additive manufacture of one-off parts and small-volume batches, high-volume parts can also be enhanced and customer wishes incorporated directly in the added value chain in batches as small as a single unit by combining additive manufacturing, injection moulding and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Arburg’s presence at Formnext Connect was highlighted by the demonstration of high-temperature applications using the Freeformer, the printer’s capabilities to process both hard and soft materials, and the printer’s specific fit for the medical industry (but that’s something the manufacturer has laid emphasis on since Day one).
Among all these demonstrations, one feature that was launched for the first time is the integration of the Freeformer into the digital customer portal arburgXworld. The basic version is free of charge and offers Freeformer customers significant added value.
The integration into the overall production environment of a company
The successful and complete monitoring and documentation of the process data of Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) components plays an important role in this context.
That’s why the German machine manufacturer ensures that MachineCenter provides comprehensive transparency, process data can be tracked with regard to parts and spare parts can be ordered conveniently online.
This means that the MachineCenter app provides transparent information on all machines and build jobs. The latest software and numerous material data sheets are available for download for every Freeformer. In this vein, the customer portal also contains the entire material database of Arburg, which is continually being expanded. In addition to general information such as strength, each data sheet also contains the appropriate process parameters for the respective material.
Furthermore, to facilitate data tracking, an application has been developed specifically for the Freeformer. It enables process and build job data to be visualised and tracked. Information on the machine used, order start, build time, layer structure, build chamber temperature, etc. can be clearly displayed in graphic form for the entire build job. This is particularly useful if detailed documentation on the component is required. For example, in medical technology applications and in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
Last but not least, the shop app offers further practical features for the users of ARBURG Plastic Freeforming (APF). For example, spare parts and consumables can be ordered around the clock.
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