Page 20 - 3DMP Summer 2022

3D FEATURE
MES for AM
Addresses Key Challenges, Provides Big Benefits
A robust manufacturing execution system tailored to additive manufacturing checks the boxes for manufacturers looking to scale production.
BY LOUIS A. KREN, SENIOR EDITOR
This past spring at AMUG 2022, among the technologies on display were systems and software for coordinating and streamlining additive manufacturing (AM) operations, and inte- grating these operations into an organi- zation’s wider business operations. In tra- ditional manufacturing, organizations make extensive use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing exe- cution system (MES) technology toward this end. Now we are seeing an increase in offerings tailored to the unique needs of AM.
With this in mind, let’s explore how such systems can meet the needs of AM operations, courtesy of information from Autonomous Manufacturing (AMFG), which showcased its MES and workflow software for AM at AMUG.
Many manufacturers face significant challenges when adopting AM for pro- duction. One big barrier: the lack of an end-to-end platform that connects all data, processes and operations. Other obstacles to establishing a scalable oper- ations revolve around traceability and standardization.
Accounting for all of this, along with the complexities associated with multiple pro- duction sites and processes that may employ different enterprise software, AM MES software can play a critical role. In simple terms, an MES for AM supports manage- ment, monitoring and
automation of all real-time
processes related to AM pro- Article images courtesy of AMFG
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duction, whereas traditional MES is lim- ited in its ability to manage AM’s unique requirements. Additive MES encompasses all stages of the production workflow, such as ordering, scheduling and quality-assur- ance management.
A robust MES solution for AM can track and document all AM production data in real time, and may include production costs, material usage and order-turn- around time. This enables greater process control, improved decision making and greater efficiency. And, when integrated with other enterprise systems, additive MES provides flexibility to adapt to an ever-changing manufacturing landscape and meet business objectives.
Addresses Key Challenges
MES systems developed specifically for AM aim to address these four key chal- lenges, as noted by AMFG:
• Value creation. When adopting tech- nology for production, value can be achieved in two key ways: reducing costs and increasing productivity. With additive MES software, users can reduce manu- facturing costs by identifying ways to opti- mize processes and raise productivity.
Automation, coupled with real-time per- formance tracking, provides the data and real-time analytics needed for making immediate adjustments where necessary, thus reducing labor costs. And, additive MES ensures achievement of company objectives and expectations for lead times. Advanced platforms can support increases in production volumes, thereby helping to meet growth objectives and KPIs.
• Standardization. A lack of standardi- zation leads to workflow inefficiencies. With no standardized way for internal teams to receive orders from other areas of the business, for example, ordering processes become time-consuming, with endless emails becoming the norm. For manufacturers operating from multiple sites, standardized processes offer economies of scale and significant cost- savings. Additive MES software addresses this by providing a centralized means to manage operations across multiple sites, and establishes a standardized manage- ment process that can be deployed multi- nationally. Taking the example above, a standardized interface for ordering opti- mizes the order-management process, facilitating improved communication