AM unlocks Industry 4.0 possibilities

Additive manufacturing unlocks Industry 4.0 possibilities

Industry 4.0 guiding principle is the interconnectivity of new technology.

The concept of Industry 5.0 – developing Artificial Intelligence to work alongside robots and smart machines - has been an increasing topic of conversation in the global manufacturing landscape. However, several key manufacturing insiders have argued that Australia still needs to get to grips with Industry 4.0 before we can move on to the next phase of industrialisation. “The guiding principle of Industry 4.0 is the interconnecting of new technology to improve efficiency and productivity,” explains Nick Psahoulias, Managing Director of Beckhoff Automation and member of Open IIoT. “This requires manufacturers to scale-up their operations by adopting Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies on the factory floor and unfortunately, many local manufacturers are still lagging behind in the digital transformation process.” Open IIoT hopes to encourage more local manufacturers to join the manufacturing digital revolution and help them realise the practical benefits of embarking on this process. Open IIoT is an initiative of some of Australia’s most prominent automation brands – SMC Corporation ANZ, Beckhoff Automation, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, Balluff, ZI-Argus and KUKA Robot Automation. The cohort believes that in order to help manufacturers unlock IIoT opportunities for commercial value, it is first crucial to cut through the jargon and dispel misconceptions surrounding this topic. Truly modern, flexible manufacturing

One such ‘practical’ technology taking the Australian manufacturing sector by storm is the rise of additive manufacturing (AM). As a definition, AM is a transformative approach to industrial production that enables the creation of lighter, stronger parts and systems thereby minimising waste. It uses data from Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) software or 3D object scanners to direct hardware to deposit material, layer upon layer, in precise geometric shapes, to create an object. The technology can be used to build or repair advanced metallic structures such as replacement or customised machine components and aircraft engines. The design freedoms acquired through AM methods such as 3D printing provide designers with countless opportunities to optimise parts for performance by removing the material and design limitations imposed by traditional manufacturing methods. 3D printing also provides opportunities for unitisation and cost savings where previously joined parts are made into a single unit. By harnessing the power of automation and computer-generated design, AM is set to become a core component of the Modern Manufacturing movement. “A key benefit of these emerging Industry 4.0 technologies is that they offer new ways to manage our productive assets, amplify our human asset contributions and significantly improve the product’s relationship with customers,” says Psahoulias. Environmental advantages of additive manufacturing

“A potential advantage of AM is the role that it may play in helping Australia meet the global goal of reducing our carbon equivalent emissions by 50% by 2030; and by 100% by 2050.” Traditional manufacturing is a significant global contributor to climate change. “It results in massive waste and emissions that could be reduced if a more modern, technology-driven approach to manufacturing is followed,” Psahoulias adds. The good news is that research has indicated that AM is more sustainable than conventional manufacturing methods and has a reduced impact on the atmosphere and the environment.

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