Discover the automation potential of your 3D printing equipment now.

Embark on serial production with additive manufacturing: with innovative solutions by Grenzebach, you can optimize your workflow for metal or polymer components by efficiently utilizing your 3D printing equipment. Simultaneously, you are establishing a working environment with the highest safety standards.

FAQ

What is additive manufacturing?
Powder-based additive manufacturing

What is additive manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing is a process in which 3D printing is used to create three-dimensional components layer by layer.

How can processes in additive manufacturing be optimized?
3D printer with Exchange Solution

How can processes in additive manufacturing be optimized?

The challenge of additive manufacturing lies in the long production time of a part in the 3D printer, while upstream and downstream production steps have significantly shorter processing times. This is where Grenzebach's intelligent automation technology comes in and enables an optimized workflow.

With our automation concepts, we network equipment such as 3D printers, unpacking and depowdering stations, post-processing systems, and inspection solutions mechanically, electronically, and digitally. If automated work steps or intelligent appliances are missing in the process, we can develop required stations for you.

Which 3D printing processes can be supported by Grenzebach technology?
3D printed workpiece made of metal powder

Which 3D printing processes can be supported by Grenzebach technology?

Our automation solutions for additive manufacturing can be used with 3D printers for metal as well as plastic in powder-based additive manufacturing.

In order to achieve an optimal process flow in your additive manufacturing, we cooperate closely with manufacturers of 3D printers and develop holistic solutions for you that fit your requirements perfectly.

Is the automation of existing 3D printing equipment possible?
Automated process linking for the aviation industry with metal powder

Is the automation of existing 3D printing equipment possible?

Grenzebach's automation technology can be used for both new and existing additive manufacturing equipment.

Three reasons to automate your 3D printing equipment with Grenzebach:

More efficient processes

Automation interconnects process steps with different processing times, such as those that occur in printing, pre- or post-process, intelligently and reliably. This enables you to achieve an optimum production flow and maximum output.

Lower cost per piece

Intelligent networking of individual work steps allows you to make maximum use of your equipment. This facilitates production at lower costs per part.

Active occupational health and safety

The post-processing of 3D printed components can pose health risks due to exposure to fine dust and nanoparticles. With automation solutions, you can reduce such hazards by eliminating direct contact with hot or harmful materials.

We integrate and interconnect the following process steps for you:

Unpacking

  • Removal of build boxes and parts from 3D printers
  • Depowdering

Handling

  • Heat treatment
  • Removal of support structures
  • Separation from the building platform

Surface Treatment

  • Blasting
  • Polishing
  • Coloring

Testing and Quality Assurance

  • Component sorting
  • Component geometry
  • Surface quality

Automation solutions for additive manufacturing processes

Our automation solutions are aimed at both manufacturers and users of 3D printers. We focus entirely on your individual requirements in the design and develop solutions that are specifically tailored to you.

“For manufacturers and users of 3D printing equipment, we network the various working steps in additive manufacturing processes. By automating the processes, we achieve an optimal production flow and thus efficient utilization of the equipment. In addition, our solutions make working environments safer.”

 

Oliver Elbert Head of Business Development
Oliver Elbert Head of Additive Manufacturing at Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH

Solution Portfolio

Transport solutions

Transport solutions enable the partially or fully automated transport of build boxes along the process chain. We offer automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and transport containers that integrate into your manufacturing environment flexibly.

Polymer  Metal

From one source

Combine our solutions to create a holistic concept tailored to your needs. Grenzebach accompanies you from needs analysis to commissioning and beyond.

Flexible expansion of existing equipment through machine fitting

Machine fitting

We develop, design, and build interfaces for existing equipment, such as airlocks or attachments. This way, we enable an efficient and safe automated process.

Grenzebach offers complete robot cells

Robot cells

We realize the complete spectrum of stand-alone solutions up to the seventh axis and integrate robots from different manufacturers. Application examples are the gripping of individual components, boxes, or small load carriers (SLCs), the removal of build plates, or the inspection of produced parts.

Constant quality inspection through image processing systems

Inspection solutions

We inspect the quality of the produced components via 2D/3D image processing systems directly in the process chain, including part recognition and sorting on request. This is possible both inline on the conveyor line or via robot-guided inspection systems.

Digital mapping of processes in additive manufacturing

Software integration

We develop solutions for communication and data exchange by interconnecting all process stations. This way, the entire 3D printing process, including upstream and downstream areas, is digitally mapped, and can be optimally controlled.

Material in the right place at the right time thanks to transportation technology

Transport and conveyor technology

Permanently installed conveyor lines supplement automated guided systems as required. Material is delivered just-in-time, components are transported individually or on the building platform.

Customized automation solutions

We develop automation solutions that are precisely tailored to your needs by analyzing your requirements and developing a customized concept for automating your additive manufacturing. In doing so, we integrate existing machines into the optimized manufacturing process.

Our services for you:

  • Consulting and needs analysis
  • Simulation and software development
  • Project management and training
  • Installation and commissioning worldwide
  • Flexible worldwide service und support
     

CUstOmized Solutions

 

Success Storys & Case Studies

As a leading provider of automation solutions for additive manufacturing, we are constantly working on even more innovations. We present the results of research and partner projects in our Success Stories and Case Studies:

Highly efficient DPS NXG depowdering system for SLM printers

With the highly efficient DPS NXG depowdering station for components weighing up to 2.3 tons, SLM Solutions and Grenzebach are setting new standards in the automation of 3D printing metal components.

Read more
Automated process linking for the aviation industry with metal powder

Grenzebach contributed to the successful innovation project NextGenAM (Next Generation Additive Manufacturing) as solution supplier of EOS.

Read more
Automated process linking for the automotive industry with polymer powder

The POLYLINE lighthouse project aims to integrate additive manufacturing processes for plastic parts into conventional series production. Grenzebach is contributing its automation expertise.

Read more
Grenzebach is AMGTA member

We are a member of AMGTA

The Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA) is a leading global non-profit organization established to raise awareness and promote the environmental benefits of additive manufacturing to key industries and the general public.

By joining AMGTA, Grenzebach has taken an essential step toward a greener future for additive manufacturing. We are committed to making a positive environmental impact through innovative solutions and sustainable processes.

We support you in the automation of your processes

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Inquire now

Your contact person: Oliver Elbert

What advantages do you get from automating your additive manufacturing process? We would be happy to advise you on your options. We look forward to hearing from you!

Oliver Elbert Grenzebach

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Additive manufacturing