Adding value to supply chains through additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing processes are leading the way of the 4th industrial revolution with its numerous advantages. They allow the creation of lighter, more complex designs that would be otherwise impossible, reduce lead times, material waste and inventory, among others.
Automated and intelligent smart factories
The advantages of additive manufacturing are helping to transform industrial value chains. Digitally networked and fully automated process chains make it possible to fully exploit the added value of 3D printing and to use it economically in smart factories. Intelligent transport and handling systems take on the intralogistics and optimize the material flow, since the products carry their production data with them in a digital component file. Quality monitoring also takes place inline, so that the current process can be controlled even with the slightest deviations. The cloud-based networking of different production locations and decentralized on-demand production, on the other hand, allows production to take place where the market is. This ensures optimum capacity utilization and avoids unnecessary transports.
Working together to enable business solutions
HP has one of the largest and most sophisticated design and engineering supply chains in the IT industry – with Festo being one of its trusted suppliers.
Festo products for pneumatic and electric automation technology can accelerate the automation of processes, thus laying the foundation for mass production. Expertise and reliable products from Festo, such as for flow and pressure control, are a critical component of enabling a stable process in additive production. The capability of Festo solutions to be networked across the entire control hierarchy, from the mechanics to the cloud, will allow HP to develop flexible and automated 3D printers delivering superior productivity and parts consistency.
In addition, Festo’s global presence enables the quick and reliable delivery of automation technology wherever it is needed by their customers. The wide product portfolio from Festo and the quality of their technical departments are a true support for HP in the development of new products.
Introducing 3D printing to speed up productivity
Festo, too, is leading the way of industry 4.0 by using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology in the Scharnhausen Technology Plant in Germany to produce individual series components that cannot be produced using conventional technology. The introduction of HP’s industry leading 3D printing technology is helping Festo unlock the full potential of 3D printing and add value to their customer’s supply chains.
Critical to digital manufacturing transformation is productivity, efficiency and high-quality parts. Festo is leveraging the advanced capabilities of HP's Jet Fusion 3D Printing Solutions to speed up its time to market and take advantage of pioneering economic features. The technical capabilities of the overall HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing Solution enable high speed production and sustainability, both critical for manufacturing. HP’s industrial 3D printing solutions enable continuous printing and cost-efficient materials with industry-leading reusability.
“We are excited to work with Festo, a global leader in industrial automation, to meet the demands of both its own business and of its customers”, said Fabio Annunziata, Head of Strategic Alliances, 3D Printing & Digital Manufacturing, HP Inc. “Festo is leveraging HP’s 3D printing solutions to speed up its time to market, explore distributed manufacturing, and optimize complex supply chains. We will continue to collaborate at both ends to drive the transformation of a smart factory.”
Festo is a global player and an independent family-owned company with headquarters in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. Festo has set standards in industrial automation technology and technical education ever since its establishment, thereby making a contribution to sustainable development of the environment, the economy and society. The company supplies pneumatic and electrical automation technology to 300,000 customers of factory and process automation in over 35 industries. Digitalization, AI and the LifeTech sector with medical technology and laboratory automation are becoming increasingly important. The products and services are available in 176 countries. With about 20,600 employees in over 250 branch offices in around 60 countries worldwide, Festo achieved a turnover of around €3.65 billion in 2023. Each year around 7% of this turnover is invested in research and development. In this learning company, 1.5 % of turnover is invested in basic and further training. Festo Didactic SE is a leading provider of technical education and training and offers its customers worldwide comprehensive digital and physical learning solutions in the industrial environment.
