- Making 3D printing affordable both as fully automated on a scale that could transform industries
- With three distinct locations for software development, artificial intelligence (AI), mathematics in Amsterdam, and mechatronics and operations in Eindhoven, AM-Flow was poised to make a substantial impact
- Stefan Rink envisions the 3DOP project as a way to introduce their innovations to a global audience
In the world of 3D printing, where innovation knows no bounds, AM-Flow stands out as a trailblazing organization that is reshaping the future of manufacturing. Their mission is nothing short of aspiring: to make 3D printing both affordable and fully automated, enabling custom and local production on a scale that could transform industries. In this interview with Stefan Rink, the Sales Director at AM-Flow, we delve into the core of their operations and explore how they are contributing to the groundbreaking 3DoP (3D Printing optimised Production) project.
AM-Flow: Pioneering 3D Printing Automation
AM-Flow is not your typical player in the 3D printing arena. They specialize in providing automation solutions for 3D printing factories, with a visionary goal of making 3D printing accessible and cost-effective for custom and local production. The driving force behind their mission is to shift from mass production to highly customized, locally manufactured products while maintaining competitive pricing and quality.
Rink describes how their approach tackles not only material waste but also logistical complexities, as their system relies on transmitting digital data rather than shipping physical products. The result is a transformative shift from a world dominated by mass-produced, one-size-fits-all products to one where customers receive custom-tailored items that perfectly fit their needs.
The Birth of AM-Flow: A Solution-Driven Journey
AM-Flow’s inception was rooted in the real-world challenges observed by Stefan Rink during his tenure at a 3D print service provider. While the digital design and printing processes were awe-inspiring, a stark reality set in after the prints were completed. It became evident that the post-printing process involved a labour-intensive and intricate manual intervention, despite the presence of advanced technology and ample investment.
Rink’s curiosity led him to invite renowned automation experts to tackle this problem. Yet, the complexity arising from the vast variations in shapes and materials, often all mixed together, didn’t lend itself very well to automation and posed significant challenges. It was not until Rink teamed up with a group of mathematicians and software developers in Amsterdam that real progress was made.
The year 2018 marked the official birth of AM-Flow, and their journey towards revolutionising 3D printing automation began in earnest. With three distinct locations for software development, artificial intelligence (AI), mathematics in Amsterdam, and mechatronics and operations in Eindhoven, AM-Flow was poised to make a substantial impact.
AM-Flow’s Unique Approach
AM-Flow’s uniqueness stems from both their mindset and their deep integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their solutions. While many automation companies focus on standardizing production processes, AM-Flow adopts a different perspective. They acknowledge that complete automation of a certain production process is often unfeasible, but that they can come a long way. When you start looking at all processes with that approach, you start solving things differently.
Rink emphasizes that they do not seek to fully automate every process but aim to assist their clients in automating as much as possible. Their expertise lies in identifying which aspects of production can be automated while accepting the realities of the diversity of industries.
Their commitment to AI plays a pivotal role in recognizing and maintaining quality in this complex environment. This approach sets AM-Flow apart from its competitors, as it not only integrates AI but also employs a mindset that views automation as an adaptable solution rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
A Smart Factory of the Future: AM-Flow’s Contribution to 3DoP
AM-Flow’s involvement in the 3DoP project is driven by the belief that it can accelerate their development and bring their innovations to market more rapidly. The project’s multidisciplinary nature, collaboration with Fieldlab partners for practical testing, and financial support provide an ideal environment for AM-Flow’s growth.
They see the 3DoP project as a vehicle for achieving significant advancements in their product portfolio. Rink envisions this initiative as a way to introduce their innovations to a global audience. The collaboration with like-minded partners and the financial backing from the project create a shared risk and an opportunity to attract venture capital for further expansion.
Among the most notable milestones of AM-Flow is the successful and fully automated processing of over a million parts
A Journey of Milestones
AM-Flow is active within work packages 4 and 5 of the 3DoP project, in which an ‘automated dedicated AM production line for affordable 3D printed dental implants and aligners’ and an ‘automated modular AM production line for high-mix @ high-volume polymer and metal 3D printed parts’ are being developed, respectively. Within these, the company will help deliver several milestones such as quality inspection algorithms, a vision module, a dental gripper & robotic cell, a dental flip module, the integration of AM-Logic software with factory software within WP4 and, among others, the production of high-mix test parts, improvement of bin-picking robotic cell/ AM-sort/ AM-route, the development of part flipping cell & inline quality control cell, quality control software and a fully integrated, modular AM production line within WP5.
AM-Flow’s journey within the 3DoP project has already been marked by several milestones. Among the most notable is the successful and fully automated processing of over a million parts. This achievement not only demonstrates their capabilities but also reflects the growing adoption of automation in the industry.
Rink acknowledges the critical role played by their customers, who are progressively embracing automation to enhance their production processes. These collaborative efforts have resulted in substantial growth for AM-Flow and a promising outlook for the 3D printing industry.
The Future of 3D Printing with AM-Flow
As AM-Flow continues to lead the charge in 3D printing automation, their impact on the industry is undeniable. With a unique mindset, deep AI integration, and a commitment to adaptability, they are poised to reshape the future of manufacturing.
Their participation in the 3DoP project not only accelerates their growth but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering innovation and automation within the 3D printing industry. The path ahead holds the promise of greater customisation, reduced waste, and a revolution in how we produce and consume goods.
AM-Flow’s journey is an inspiring testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets determination, and the 3DoP project is a pivotal chapter in their ongoing success story. As they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D printing, one can only imagine the transformative impact they will have on industries worldwide.
