A German University Research team is to develop a new technology that ensures biunique identification of Rapid Manufactured (RM)products, during generative fabrication without additional efforts on application.

The aim is to develop a novel technology that ensures biunique identification of rapid manufactured products, during generative fabrication without additional efforts on application. The proposed solution fulfils the quality guidelines, such as Machinery Directive. Marks based on optical and electromagnetical reading devices are in focus of the investigation. Therefore we are seeking for partners in the fields of:
- adaptation of rapid prototyping machines and its control systems;
- adaptation of optical reading system such as multi code readers to special light conditions;
- adaptation of RFID transponders to special heat and chemical resistance;
- CAD-based programming solutions mainly handling of standard transfer formats of volume models.

At the end of 2009 the new Machinery Directive 2006/42/EG came into operation. The guideline has to prevent harm to the human health, damages to the machines and the environment. The directive regulates necessary arrangements for manufacturers to document the security of the machines and produced parts before they are sold on market.

Rapid Manufacturing becomes recently more convenient for fabrication. It implies the chance to produce personalized objects for individual needs. The lot size of one is not inefficient anymore. But an effective quality management is not yet established in order to fulfil the requirements of the Machinery Directive. The necessity of a biunique marking soon will be essential for manufacturers, who want to sell generative fabricated products.

The German university's investigations have shown, that the generative process of Rapid Manufacturing is able to combine part fabrication with direct part marking (DPM) in one assembly. This process is defined as generative DPM. Until now printing of adhesive labels or common direct part marking methods required additional time and were cost consuming.

The proposed work develops a technology to overcome this disadvantage by two approaches mainly. The RFID transponder technology and optical readable marks enable an innovative automatic identification. Considered methods also assure authenticity for lifetime of individualised products fabricated by digital manufacturing.

Due to investigate possible applications to a challenging problem and bring pilot technology to market, the German university is seeking industrial partners and research organisations. A successful realisation of this project brings a significant competitive advantage to our industrial collaborators. The list of specific SME-sized partners looked for includes:

- Supplier for Rapid Prototyping machines and controller software,
- Supplier and developer of materials for rapid technologies(mainly plastic),
- Supplier for CAD-based software engineering (handling of standardised transfer formats)

Technical Specifications / Specific technical requirements:
Call title: Research for the benefits of SMEs
Call identifier: FP7-2011-SME-BSG
Publication date: 1.September 2010
Deadline for Expressions of interest: Mid October 2010
Deadline for submission: 8.December 2010

 

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