IFC invests in AM Solutions’ S1 post-processing machine
May 8, 2024
IFC Intelligent Feeding Components GmbH, located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has purchased an S1 shot blast post-processing machine from AM Solutions, part of Rösler Oberflächentechnik headquartered in Untermerzbach, Germany.
IFC has an Additive Manufacturing department that produces high-value 3D metal and plastic models for a wide range of industries. Frequently, IFC uses scans to create specific component designs for customers. Among other products, the company produces arm braces, which are individually designed and adapted by in-house orthopaedic engineers.
Dominik Riegg, Manager – Additive Manufacturing department at IFC Intelligent Feeding Components GmbH, commented, “We tested many different systems, before we finally got to talk to AM Solutions at the Formnext 2022 exhibition. What impressed us immediately was that the equipment, built in-house, is very sturdy and, thus, can handle any industrial environment, no matter how demanding this might be. Moreover, the specialists at AM Solutions quickly understood what we need and with the S1 shot blast system they presented an optimal solution.”
Prior to purchasing the S1 post-processing system, the additively manufactured products has to be unpacked and shot blasted manually. Now, after the unpacking process they are directly loaded into the shot blast machine for cleaning and surface finishing in one single operation. This 2-in-1 solution requires only one single blast medium. The continuous rotation of the work pieces in the hot blast machine guarantees gentle processing and absolutely repeatable blast results.
“With our manual shot blasting operation the finishing qualities were very unstable. Now we achieve consistent, high-quality surface finishes and, at the same time, save up to 70% in labour costs,” explained Riegg.
Compared to the manual post-processing operations, the S1 machine handles a two times larger quantity of arm braces.
Riegg concluded, “Today we increasingly handle smaller work piece batches. To remain cost-efficient, we must automate our manufacturing operations and must have total process stability. Post-processing is an essential link in our manufacturing chain and is a lot more than just making a product ‘pretty.’ In the end, automated post processing is essential for achieving consistent, high qualities and allows us to expand our technological possibilities. Our S1 system amortised itself in one and a half years, but its positive effects for our production will last for a long time.”
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