Last year, when the pandemic was at its peak, some companies had to slow down their activities and refocus on some internal projects while others were signing new collaborations. AM-Flow was part of this second group as it was announcing a collaboration with Oceanz 3D Printing, a 3D Printing service provider in the Netherlands. A collaboration that consisted for both partners to develop fully automated AM production line solutions.
“Just like other 3D printservice providers, several post processing steps are done manually at Oceanz. The increase in costs and lead times due to these manual steps has made us realize the necessity to develop and apply new technologies, such as automatic identification, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. We have opened up our production facility as a ‘living lab’ to develop these technologies. This partnership is unique and necessary to optimize post-production processes in terms of quality and speed”, Erik van der Garde, CEO Oceanz 3D printing stated in their first announcement.
“This May, the addition of a customized AM-SORT was festively celebrated with champagne and cake”, AM Flow announced last week.
As a reminder, AM-dedicated automation solutions company recently discussed how they enable companies to move from parts identification based on geometry to their sorting for the next process stage.
Oceanz’ facility now hosts two integrated modules – AM-VISION and AM-SORT, which are now ready to achieve full production of parts. The AM-VISION enables automated parts identification after they come out of the printer while AM-SORT supports this process by sorting parts quickly. This process is supported by patented flippers designed for a wide range of 3D printed parts, and which guarantee that models are well identified and guided to the next process step.
AM-FLOW explains in a press release that these new modules will be cost and time saving for Oceanz that can now track and trace each model during the production process. Beyond efficiency, such automated and repeatable control is pivotal for demanding industries such as the medical.
Stefan Rink, CEO AM-Flow: “Common sense and hands-on approach has allowed us to take steps so quickly. We look forward to a long further collaboration to make Oceanz even stronger”.
Both companies are now working on building warehouse automation as part of the Track & Trace system, and on automated quality control for 3D printed objects.
Erik van der Garde, CEO Oceanz 3D Printing: “This collaboration confirms our own down to earth and practical mentality, and the pleasant collaboration with AM-Flow as a 3D workflow automation specialist, working towards a shared vision of the market. This application is necessary to take the next step and fits perfectly with the future demands and, therefore, with Oceanz”.
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