GKN Powder Metallurgy has announced further steps in its course towards Industry 4.0 with a new dedicated digital area for Metal Additive Manufacturing (Metal AM) during an event at its plant in Bonn, Germany.
At a meeting with key customers and partners, the world’s largest producer of precision powder metal products recently shared plans to start a Metal AM digital enterprise in Q2 2017 using best-in-class workflow, taking the most important aspects of the Industry 4.0 agenda from theory to practice.
Based on intelligent, connected systems, it will benefit from reduced lead times, enabling stronger customization of products. On the process side, business partners will be much more involved in development and production.
GKN is working to drive innovations across the whole Metal AM value chain, from production of metal powder materials, AM design and manufacturing services. It will also provide the first fully digitized AM process chain in serial production for automotive, industrial and consumer products.
Actively shaping the future as innovation leader
As an innovation leader in Metal AM serial production, we are fully committed to taking a pioneering role in the industry in terms of digitalizing our company and our offers. We will actively shape the future and demonstrate that we can do this with the next step we take with our Metal AM serial production plant,“ says Guido Degen, Senior Vice President Business Development & Advanced Technology.
Benefitting the complete value chain
By concentrating on the implementation of digital and production processes, all work steps along the entire value chain will be substantially leaner and more efficient in the future. For example, this promises a noticeable reduction in development and production times in prototype construction in the automotive area. In addition, digital processes allow for considerable advantages compared to conventional process chain and production methods. The plant in Bonn will fulfill the ISO 16949 (automotive), AS 9100 (aerospace) and ISO 13485 (medical devices) certification norms.
Mix of technology and individual consulting remains the maxim
Individual consulting will continue to play a large role in product development and the optimization of processes. „The combination of personal contact and technical pioneering spirit makes us successful. This is an indispensable part of our corporate DNA and naturally of our new corporate Metal AM strategy,“ says Guido Degen.
Interested in more news about how Metal AM is revolutionizing production methods and business models? Then visit our Innovation Blog: www.gknsintermetals-blog.com.
About GKN Powder Metallurgy
GKN Powder Metallurgy comprises GKN Sinter Metals and Hoeganaes. GKN Sinter Metals is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision automotive components as well as components for industrial and consumer applications. Hoeganaes is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of metal powder, the essential raw material for powder metallurgy. GKN Powder Metallurgy is in close proximity to its customers with more than 30 global locations and about 6,600 employees.
About GKN plc
GKN plc is a global engineering group. It has four divisions; GKN Aerospace, GKN Driveline, GKN Powder Metallurgy and GKN Land Systems, which operate in the aerospace, automotive and land systems markets. Over 56,100 people work in GKN companies and joint ventures in more than 30 countries. GKN is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: GKN) and recorded sales of 7.7 billion GBP in the year to 31 December 2015.
Firmenkontakt
GKN Sinter Metals Engineering GmbH
Susanne Huetter
Krebsöge 10
42477 Radevormwald
+49 (3603) 895980
Susanne.Huetter@gkn.com
http://www.gkn.com/sintermetals
Pressekontakt
GKN Sinter Metals Engineering GmbH
Susanne Huetter
Krebsöge 10
42477 Radevormwald
+49 (3603) 895980
susanne.huetter@gkn.com
http://www.gkn.com/sintermetals
