Unveiled at Hannover Messe: BigRep Pro & 3D Printed NEXT Automated Guided Vehicle

Eventgoers at Hannover Messe, held in Hannover Germany from April 1-5, are getting a preview of the latest in spectacular new technology and innovation. This includes learning more about new dimensions in additive manufacturing too as companies like BigRep unveil 3D printers such as the 5G connected industrial BigRep PRO—developed with partner Bosch Rexroth.

The BigRep PRO was designed with engineers around the world in mind, as the two companies sought to give industrial businesses greater opportunities to create models that are completely functioning prototypes—along with the ability to fabricate composite, end-use parts, and small-number serial production using high-performance materials.

BigRep CEO Stephan Beyer, PhD

“Our new printers are the launching pad for the factory of the future. We are opening a new dimension for additive manufacturing by establishing industrial 3D printing in automated and IoT-integrated systems,” said BigRep CEO Stephan Beyer, PhD. “BigRep’s quality solutions meet the industry’s requirements for precise, controlled and efficient machines with full data integration.”

“We will establish 3D printing as an added value production technology in industries such as automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, manufacturing and more.”

Powered by BigRep’s proprietary Metering Extrusion Technology MXT and featuring a motion control system produced by Bosch Rexroth, this new 3D printer was created to offer better precision and quality overall, along with higher speed and full IoT connectivity for applications such as sensors and monitors. These progressive solutions mean higher quality in 3D printing, along with better maintenance of the hardware itself as any issues or defects are quickly detected by the software. With access to the 5G network, monitoring of manufacturing projects can be delegated to cloud or production-related edge systems. The PRO can be ordered now.

BigRep PRO 3D printer

“Over the medium term, additive manufacturing cannot ignore the need to adapt to the standards of established production processes,” said Thomas Fechner, Head of the Business Unit New Business at Bosch Rexroth. “The goal is a completely digital workflow. The data must be able to pass consistently – from the customer order, the CAD software and simulation environments to specific machine movements and quality assurance.”

The Berlin-headquartered developer of large-scale 3D printing hardware and materials is also unveiling a new scanner for mid-print product quality inspection, as well as the NEXT AGV prototype, their 3D printed and automated guided vehicle for the factory of the future. BigRep has partnered with Bosch Rexroth for this project also, as they both envision such technology being vital to automated manufacturing of the future.

The NEXT AGV runs on a power grid, supplied by inductive energy, and is meant to function not only as an automated logistics carrier but also a mounting platform for other devices such as robots. The AGV design can be customized as needed for production purposes, featuring 3D printed wheels which allow the machine to move sideways, and a 3D printed antenna as an added safety detail.

Founded in 2014, BigRep has been involved in countless other dynamic projects and collaborations over the years, to include working with Magigoo, BASF, and even companies like Etihad Airways, the second largest airline in the United Arab Emirates. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.