Neotech AMT: Broad consortium to develop scalable 4D manufacturing processes for mechatronics
Neotech AMT GmbH (Nuremberg, Germany) announces the launching of the EU Penta Project “AMPERE” which will develop reliable and scalable hybrid additive manufacturing methods for producing multifunctional mechatronic systems.
The project started on 1 April 2021 and will run until 31 March 2024. A consortium of 10 leading research and industrial partners from Germany and The Netherlands will develop and combine essential AM technologies required for the robust and scalable manufacture of smart 4D mechatronic products. The project will accommodate the manufacture of both small series and mass customised products whilst scaling through to high production volumes (>10.000 parts). The developed technologies will utilise smart processes to produce novel products containing a combination of integrated mechanical, electrical and optical functionalities.
Three innovative product cases will demonstrate the hybrid manufacturing approach and move beyond the state-of-the-art: LED luminaires, signal/power electronics and medical devices. “The AMPERE project is a hugely exiting and ambitious project in the field of AM and will generate substantial business benefits,” reports Dr Martin Hedges, managing director of Neotech. “The project will enable unique product designs, that for the first time combine mechanical, electrical and optical functionalities produced at the industrial scale. Furthermore, the flexible nature of the developed production systems will allow faster response to changes in the market and open up new application areas for this emerging technology.”
Neotech AMT GmbH is a leading company developing manufacturing technologies for 3D Printed Electronics. Since 2009 the company has pioneered developments in this emerging market and offers production level solutions. The patented 45X system was the first 3DPE system ever used in the high volume, industrial manufacture of cell phones. Many other applications for automotive and industrial customers are under development, including 3D circuits, antenna, sensors and heater patterns.
Caption: A fully additively manufactured luminaire (photo: Neotech AMT)