AI as a lever for cost-effective additive manufacturing and new business

“It remains a challenge to strategically integrate additive manufacturing into the entire production and business process chain. Digitalisation, and AI in particular, is proving to be a lever for using additive processes economically and is opening up new business fields and markets. In the forum, we will be looking at examples of how to identify AI use cases for production and also addressing legal aspects of the use of AI. Another topic is the implementation of digital threads, the digital “common thread”, in the process chains. Again, we will be demonstrating this using specific examples. User solutions for how to open up global markets through decentralised production and how multifunctional components can be designed automatically will also be presented,” says Martin Gasch, giving an overview of the topics of the Software, AI & Design forum. The business development manager at Siemens Digital Industries Software is a member of the rapid.tech 3D advisory board and is responsible for the content of the forum.

Using AI in compliance with the law

The use of AI systems in business in general and, more specifically, in the additive manufacturing value chain offers considerable potential. However, it also entails compliance with legal requirements as stipulated by the “AI Act”, the AI regulation that came into force last year. In his presentation, Marco Müller-ter Jung, a lawyer specialising in information technology law and a partner at Grant Thornton, will provide practical recommendations for the legally compliant use of AI in business and highlight initial experiences with the new AI legislation.

Digital threads for additive manufacturing

A seamless flow of information and data increases efficiency and generates added value for the entire additive ecosystem. However, the successful implementation of suitable technologies requires considerable investment, expertise, policy changes and organisational restructuring. Dr Felix Wunner, manager at Deloitte Consulting, will outline the expertise that consulting firms can contribute to such digital thread projects.

Opening up global markets through decentralised 3D printing

The example of pedcad foot technology, a leading provider of measuring, software and manufacturing systems for the digital production of customised shoe insoles, shows how a small German company has been able to export its expertise in 3D printing to global markets. CEO Dominik Walter will present the decentralised 3D printing production of orthopaedic insoles. Instead of building up complex infrastructure and expertise on site, 3D printing enables cost-efficient production directly on the customer’s premises. This model can be applied to many industries, especially where high production costs, specific expertise and the need for customisation play a role. It is also proving to be a catalyst for internationalisation – especially for smaller companies.

Identifying AI use cases in production

Jonas Nowottnick, project manager for AI strategy at Merantix Momentum, will introduce procedures for identifying AI use cases in production. The company is a partner for machine learning and provides a full range of support, from the identification of use cases to the development and operation of AI solutions. Merantix Momentum uses an AI canvas approach derived from the classic canvas model for business development.

A software solution for the end-to-end process chain

With 4D Additive, the Franco-German company CT CoreTechnologie combines the end-to-end process chain for additive manufacturing in one software package. Product Manager Rémi Goupil will examine various use cases to illustrate how the solution works, from importing CAD geometry to direct modelling, geometry analysis, texturing, grid structures, nesting, support generation and slicing.

Innovative reactor concepts for the chemical industry

Components that generate complex, interlinked functionalities in the application are often complicated in their design and require a precise layout. Using the example of process technology for methanol production, Dr Christoph Kiener, principal key expert at Siemens, and Prof. Dr Christoph Klahn, tenure-track professor at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, will examine new concepts for automated design. They will present studies from 3D-PROCESS, a joint project to develop innovative reactor concepts for the chemical industry through the use of additive manufacturing. It is clear that digital twins and additive manufacturing enable scalable, individualised chemical plants.

Specialist conference offers a look at other current AM developments and applications

Alongside the Software, AI and Design trade forum, other forums at the rapid.tech 3D specialist trade conference will provide insights into the latest AM developments and applications. On the first day, the VDMA AM4industry Forum, the Aerospace Forum and the quality-approved Science Forum invite visitors to delve into these topics. Day two of the programme includes the Chemistry & Process Engineering, Electronics & Components and Mobility forums. In addition to Software, AI & Design, the final day of the forum will also focus on Energy Technology & Hydrogen and Innovations in AM.

Presentations and a chance to chat to exhibitors, Deep Dive tours and Expert Tables

Visitors can also look forward to product and service demonstrations as well as small group discussions in Hall 2 – at the exhibitors’ stands or on guided Technical Deep Dive tours, at the Expert Tables, and at the AM Science Poster Slam in the hall.

The 3D Pioneers Challenge too is a source of inspiration, introducing completely new applications of additive and digital technologies. This year the international competition is back at rapid.tech 3D for the tenth time. The anniversary edition gives all previous finalists and winners the chance to go before the jury panel once again and scoop the title of “Pioneer of the Decade”.