Key Takeaways
- The BMW Group's Head of Additive Manufacturing, Timo Göbel, emphasized the importance of relying on established automation providers and being open to low-cost materials.
- Chinese companies, such as Farsoon, are gaining large orders from Western companies like BMW and Daimler Trucks due to their flexibility and willingness to open up data flows.
- The European narrative about Chinese companies is not relevant to the discussion of strategic choices and partnerships in the additive manufacturing industry.
- Companies should focus on reducing part costs and being open to new technologies and partnerships.
Introduction to Additive Manufacturing
The additive manufacturing industry is rapidly evolving, with companies like BMW and Daimler Trucks investing heavily in new technologies. At the AM Forum in Berlin, Timo Göbel, the Head of Additive Manufacturing at the BMW Group, shared his insights on industrializing additive manufacturing. He emphasized the importance of relying on established automation providers, rather than trying to develop automation in-house.
Benefits of Partnering with Chinese Companies
Chinese companies, such as Farsoon, are gaining recognition for their flexibility and willingness to open up data flows. This has led to large orders from Western companies like BMW and Daimler Trucks. For example, Farsoon was awarded a large order from BMW due to its flexibility, and Daimler Trucks partnered with Farsoon for a spare parts project due to the company's willingness to share data.
Comparison of Additive Manufacturing Technologies
| Technology | Company | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Laser Spot 3D Printing | Farsoon | High thermal management edge, flexibility in data sharing |
| TruPrint 5000 | Atlix | High-quality metal 3D printing, established automation provider |
| Additive Manufacturing Software | Various | Reduces part costs, increases efficiency |
Overcoming European Narrative
The European narrative about Chinese companies is not relevant to the discussion of strategic choices and partnerships in the additive manufacturing industry. Companies should focus on reducing part costs, being open to new technologies, and partnering with established automation providers. By doing so, they can stay competitive in the rapidly evolving industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the additive manufacturing industry is rapidly evolving, and companies must be open to new technologies and partnerships to stay competitive. By relying on established automation providers, being open to low-cost materials, and partnering with flexible companies like Farsoon, companies can reduce part costs and increase efficiency.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that companies in the additive manufacturing industry must be willing to adapt and partner with other companies to stay competitive. By focusing on reducing part costs, increasing efficiency, and being open to new technologies, companies can thrive in the rapidly evolving industry. With the rise of Chinese companies like Farsoon, the industry is becoming more global, and companies must be willing to partner with others to succeed.