GF Machining Solutions and 3D Systems optimize the metal AM workflow

GF Machining Solutions (GF), a division of the Swiss company Georg Fischer, specialised in the mechanical industry, is strengthening its presence in the metal additive manufacturing market through a partnership with the manufacturer 3D Systems. By combining their respective expertise in machine tools and additive manufacturing, the two players can offer a complete solution to all manufacturers who wish to adopt metal 3D printing technologies and design quality parts. GF offers an optimized production line so that manufacturers of metal parts can easily integrate additive manufacturing into their plants, and ultimately reduce the cost per part.

The Georg Fischer Group has divided its activities into 3 divisions: the design of pipe systems, the manufacture of automotive/aerospace components and the development of machine tools used in all industrial segments. It is through this last activity that the industrial group decided to focus on metal additive manufacturing, convinced of its potential for the industry. In July 2018, GF partnered with 3D Systems and developed an optimized workflow, from part design to post-processing, to help each manufacturer integrate metal 3D printing solutions easily. These solutions require specific rules, different from those used in machining or injection moulding. For example, a metal 3D printed part is not designed in the same way as if it were to be machined, there is a risk of making mistakes, therefore lengthening manufacturing times and increasing costs. This is where GF and 3D Systems come in.

GF Machining Solutions masters a wide range of manufacturing solutions | Credits: GF

Dogan Basic, Product Manager at GF Machine Solutions, adds: “We have seen a growth in the adoption of additive manufacturing by manufacturers and identified a real opportunity in the use of metal technologies, allowing us to better meet the needs of demanding sectors such as aerospace, medical and automotive. We want to support them in their manufacturing processes by offering complete and automated solutions. Our partnership with 3D Systems is the concrete expression of this desire.”