Siemens’ AM Network helps companies adopt AM for industrial production

Adopting 3D printing in an industrial setting, specifically for mass production, is growing considerably. Nevertheless, some companies are still hesitant to invest in 3D printing technologies, as they can be unsure about the steps to adopt it successfully in their business. For this purpose, Siemens launched at the end of last year an online platform called AM Network. The company’s relationship with 3D printing actually began years ago, when it decided to invest in metal additive manufacturing by opening a center specialized in this type of production. Today, Siemens mission is to help companies accelerate AM mass production. There are many benefits to Siemens’ AM Network, to discuss, we met with its director, Robert Meshel.

3DN: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your relationship with 3D printing?

I’m Robert Meshel, Director of the AM Network at Siemens. I am driven by a passion for technology and business innovation. I relentlessly pursuing new strategic opportunities to make a significant impact. Throughout my career I served in small startup companies as CEO and VP business development, as well as in various management capacities in large corporations in Strategy, business consulting, portfolio and product management. All in the manufacturing domain. Over the past 4 years I am serving as the Director of AM Network at Siemens. I hold an MSc in Mechanical engineering from Tel-Aviv University, an MBA from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern and a graduate of the Singularity University executive program.

Robert Meshel, Director of Siemens’ AM Network

3DN: Why did Siemens invest in AM technologies?

Siemens adopted AM as a Company Core Technology Field, one of five technology disciplines on which we invest significant amount in research and development. Siemens is involved with additive manufacturing in multiple capacities throughout its various businesses – as a user, service provider and technology provider. Siemens operates more than 100, mostly industrial grade machines. These are used across the various Siemens business units, where additive manufacturing is considered as a strategic technology.