FESTO integrates 3D printing into valve and electronic component production
FESTO is using Markforged 3D printers to enhance its valve and electronic component manufacturing at its Technology Plant in Germany. Learn how the transformative impact of additive manufacturing at FESTO could also provide financial and operational benefits for your plant.
With more than 20,000 employees in over 60 countries, FESTO stands for innovative products and solutions for complex automation technology and technical education.
The Scharnhausen Technology Plant in Germany is at the forefront of automation for the future at Festo, it is the leading plant for valves, valve terminals and electronics.
The FESTO Technology Factory in Scharnhausen, south of Stuttgart, Germany, has been FESTO's leading plant for the production of valves, valve terminals and electronic components since 2014. Upon entering the manufacturing facility, one is immediately struck by the extensive scale of the production equipment as well as the highly optimized automation processes.
The use of high-tech machines and systems requires a wide range of individual operating resources, such as spare parts, individual parts and fixtures, in order to minimize unplanned downtime and maintain production efficiency. By using high-quality 3D spare parts and fixtures, FESTO can be better prepared to ensure high production quality and customer satisfaction.
Stefan Fent, head of operating equipment design, and his team wanted a solution that went beyond basic 3D printing. The goal was to minimize the high costs and workload of operating a diverse range of equipment.
FESTO's previous attempt to integrate 3D printing failed due to Electrostatic Discharge requirements.
They were looking for a real manufacturing system that could produce mechanically resilient components in a process-safe and repeatable manner.
The focus was particularly on the substitution of components made of plastic and aluminum, which previously had to be machined or manufactured externally resulting in long lead times.
In addition, the system had to be able to reliably produce ESD-compliant components to meet strict requirements for manufacturing electronics.
FESTO had previously attempted to integrate 3D printing into their workflow but were unable to due to ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) requirements. After all, there are many 3D printers, but only a few that reliably meet the industry's standards. For Markforged however, this was not a problem.
Industrial 3D Printing from a Single Source
At a regional trade show, the team got to know Markforged's additive manufacturing machines. By using Markforged's continuous fiber reinforcement technology, the issue of mechanical strength was quickly resolved. With continuous carbon fiber, it is even possible to achieve greater strength than aluminum.
FESTO manufactures 3D fixtures and templates around the clock.
The Markforged Onyx ESD material is static dissipative and meets the requirements of the EMS industry with regard to antistatic properties.
In the spring of 2022, Stefan Fent decided to integrate two manufacturing machines from Mark3D -- Markforged into the production equipment.
Since then, a Markforged Onyx Pro and a Markforged X7 have been manufacturing fixtures and templates around the clock. The Onyx Pro is a desktop machine and all-rounder for the production of continuous fiberglass-reinforced components. The Markforged X7 produces mechanically strong components by inserting continuous carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar into the components.
In addition, the X7 can print the components for electronics production in Onyx ESD material.
The Transition to Thinking Additively
It took about 2-3 months for the designers to start integrating 3D printing into equipment manufacturing.
Today, nine months later, the printers are already occupied for several weeks in advance. The learning curve among the team is growing exponentially.
"Markforged is a real manufacturing system. The quality and strength of the components as well as the reliability has convinced us over other competitors," said Johannes Hablizel, Design Engineer for Production Equipment (left).
The manufacturing machines are operated by several employees in the company. The additively manufactured components, whether large or small, can be found in many places in production. Among them are sensor holders, housings, handles, clamping and holding devices, tools, templates or spare parts.
FESTO has already additively manufactured more than 200 different components that would otherwise have to be milled or ordered at great expense.
A shared database provides an overview of upcoming print jobs, as well as costs and savings, and helps ensure that jobs are processed efficiently.
Additive manufacturing is now an established manufacturing technology for the FESTO team in Scharnhausen.
The Technology Plant produces parts quickly, flexibly and reliably thanks to new methods that create an ideal flow between processes.
Due to the strong growth in demand from various departments, the team from the equipment design department managed to save around $90,000 in nine months.
Practical Example: Handheld ESD Scanner Holder
An example that illustrates the cost reduction is a simple, three-piece holder for a handheld scanner.
With the planned mechanical production, the cost for 10 pieces was estimated at about $4,500. Using 3D printing, the cost of the holder made of the Onyx ESD material is only $438, plus $227 in labor costs. In total, a saving of $3,880 could be achieved compared to mechanical production.
Used where it makes sense, 3D printing offers enormous added value for any company.
The Digital Forge
When you look at the printed components at FESTO, you quickly notice that each individual component has a serial number or component identifier. If a component or part of an assembly is damaged or worn, a replacement part can be reprinted.
FESTO is considering adding Markforged's FX20 3D printer to its production line.
With Markforged's Eiger dynamic additive manufacturing software, any part can thus be manufactured on-demand at any production site in the world.
Future
Going forward, the current capacity utilization of the 3D printers is to be maintained. Should this continue to increase, an expansion of the portfolio will be considered.
Furthermore, the potential of the new Markforged FX20 industrial 3D printer is currently being evaluated to decide whether it can be used in production. With increased capacity and the ability to produce even larger components, the FX20 could be another success story for FESTO.
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