BigRep and Bosch Rexroth have agreed a partnership which will see the former’s 3D printing technology equipped with the latter’s CNC control systems and drives.
The pair believe this development will help to position additive manufacturing (AM) within the Industry 4.0 concept, making BigRep’s 3D printing technology an IoT-ready, ‘made in Germany’ machine with full connectivity and data.
Bosch Rexroth is no stranger to AM, having harnessed it to create models, patterns, prototypes, tools and also some end-use products. The company has been impressed with the cost-efficiency and speed of the technology, but believes by pooling its expertise in CNC control and drive systems with BigRep’s own 3D printing proficiencies, these advantages can be further enhanced. BigRep thinks so too. And the resulting solution would be a big draw for a range of industry players, beyond prototyping and small series production.
“Across industries, customers are looking for reliable, controllable and efficient 3D printers in order to manufacture top quality parts,” commented Dr. Stephan Beyer, BigRep CEO. “As BigRep is the first to integrate CNC-grade control systems in 3D printers, we will redefine additive manufacturing. The Rexroth controls are also an excellent platform for providing you 3D printers with full connectivity for existing production and automation systems. This will establish 3D printing as a key Industry 4.0 application.”
“This partnership demonstrates that Bosch Rexroth is constantly developing sustainable technologies and new factory automation solutions for the factory of the future,” added Thomas Fechner, Director of the Business Unit New Business at Bosch Rexroth.
