Keronite to attend leading additive manufacturing conference
Keronite will be attending FORMNEXT 2019, the leading additive manufacturing (AM) conference. The event attracts decision-makers from some of the world’s largest manufacturers.
Known as 3D printing, AM describes the process of manufacturing parts layer by layer. This offers manufacturers more flexibility among other benefits.
For one, it reduces waste. Conventionally, manufacturing involves removing material from a stock part. Unused materials are treated as waste and are typically disposed. Additive manufacturing minimises waste, as material is only formed where the design files specify.
Technological advances in AM are also broadening the applications for the technology. For years, polymer materials were the only realistically affordable option for the technique. This limited its use to prototyping. Now, new equipment is enabling light alloy components to be created through AM. Light alloys are the most used materials in aerospace, automotive, oil & gas and industrial sectors. Enabling manufacturers within these industries to use additive manufacturing represents a significant milestone.
Materials science for additive manufacturing
The shift towards additive manufacturing opens up new opportunities for manufacturers. Likewise, there are sure to be areas in which advanced surface technologies can offer better solutions.
Precision manufacturing is already widespread. Introducing additive manufacturing offers more freedom to design engineers to create more intricate parts. Ensuring these parts can perform in intensive conditions is key. This could make advanced surface treatments like plasma electrolytic oxidation more vital. The technology offers comprehensive protection, even on components with complex geometries.
New manufacturing techniques are also likely to change the dynamics of supply chains. When AM becomes more widespread and affordable, collaboration is likely to become key. From a materials science perspective, enabling collaboration at the earlier stages of a project is likely to yield better performance. Suddenly, the expertise and knowledge of specialist science companies becomes all-the-more valuable.
PEO for additive manufacturing
At the show, Keronite will engage with manufacturers and suppliers of AM equipment. The company’s surface technology is widely used in industrial settings. Typically, the coatings are used to extend the life of equipment. This helps manufacturers create higher quality machinery that delivers customers more reliable, consistent manufacture.
Plasma electrolytic oxidation creates super-hard adhesive ceramic layers that offer comprehensive protection. With light alloys likely to play a key role in the sector, there are ample opportunities to improve component performance.
Additive manufacturing is likely to play a key role across all major engineering industries. Longevity and performance are critical concerns across all of these sectors. Plasma electrolytic oxidation allows engineers to substitute heavy metals, which are hard to additively manufacture, with lighter alternatives – without detriment to performance.
About Keronite
Keronite’s surface technologies rival some of the most advanced solutions on the planet. Working with some of the world’s largest manufacturers, Keronite create bespoke-to-application solutions that uniquely enhance the performance of light alloys. Principally, these coatings reduce weight and increase the longevity of components in tough operating conditions.
Are you visiting FORMNEXT 2019?
Going to the show? Want to discuss the potential of PEO? Yin Kok, Keronite’s Senior Applications Engineer, will be at the show. Get in touch with Yin if you want to learn more about Keronite’s advanced surface technology.