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Manufacturers benefit from AddParts innovative customer service portal

Written by Jackie Cook on . Posted in News.

A new online portal created by a South Yorkshire company that provides digital spares to the manufacturing industry has revolutionised its customer service experience for clients.

AddParts, an exclusive service of Addition Design based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre in Rotherham, supplies digital spares for automated production lines through the use of 3D scanning, digital data management and industrial 3D printing.

It gives manufacturing customers across a number of sectors a competitive advantage by reducing downtime on automated production lines.

Alongside major investment in a high-res 3D scanner and key staff, the firm has also established a portal system that provides a virtual stock room of components and in-production technology to ensure the back-end process run as smoothly as possible. This has drastically improved the communication between AddParts and its customers and streamlined the customer service experience considerably providing an all-encompassing ‘one-stop-shop’ offering.

Tom Fripp, director of Addition Design, said: “Our AddParts service is based on three core modules – the scanning, the portal and the printing but, for us, it is actually the portal that brings it all together.

“As we were developing AddParts it became apparent that a lot of two-way communication was needed between us and the engineers and this was done using screen grabs, emails and WhatsApp messages.

“We were surprised by how much technical information was required and also by how much repetition there was, largely because we were dealing with different departments, and different people in the same company, often wanting information. We were also building up a lot of data and our customer had to ask us what information we had and didn’t have.

“It became evident that we needed a central hub that could provide a way for customers to manage the information we hold for them in an easy and accessible way, and once we started building this we quickly realised that what we were doing was building a store room for data. A virtual inventory of spare data which, on demand, could be converted into production data – the beauty of it is that it takes up no room, can be viewed by anyone with secure access, is absolutely bespoke to each customer and facilitates two-way communication in a way that is akin to a storeroom.

“The portal is organised by machine/plant list and shows each component that we store information for by part number/unique reference. The whole portal is searchable meaning if you know what you’re after it is super quick. Once you click on the part, you can view the 3D data we have, basic dimensions, production cost, materials, any specifics for that part and geometric validation. You can also view previous orders for that part and download their certificates of conformity as well as order more replacements. The portal also allows you to upload information like photos and descriptions about parts that are not on the portal, kickstarting the process to get that part on the system.”

AddParts now has grand plans for the portal system as it is a great way to facilitate two-way interaction directly at the point where customers need it the most.

Added Tom: “We plan on extending it to allow bookings for planned shutdowns, downloadable regulatory statements for our materials, chat with engineers to talk through design changes as well as greater emphasis on tracking design changes to meet the requirements of our customer’s regulatory systems change control procedures. It’s just the start of things to come!”

AddParts offers a unique methodology of unlocking the benefits of industrial 3D print technology to provide new opportunities and deliver even higher performance components with reduced lead time offering a really focussed solution that manufacturers can truly benefit from.

Pharmaceutical industry reaps rewards from new cutting edge technology

Written by Jackie Cook on . Posted in News.

Manufacturers across the pharmaceutical industry are improving their production processes thanks to an innovative new service.

AddParts, supplies digital spares on-demand for automated production lines through the use of 3D scanning, digital data management and industrial 3D printing, giving customers a competitive advantage by reducing critical component related downtime on automated production lines.

The service is provided by South Yorkshire based Addition Design, one of the first businesses in the country to invest in and develop the necessary 3D technology to effectively meet the demands of typical AddParts customers. This new service provides clear advantages for customers across the pharmaceutical sector including current customers SGS Quay Pharma, Ethypharm, ADS Graphics and Chester Medical Solutions.

The investment in equipment, and in subsequent expert personnel at Addition, supports AddParts unique methodology of unlocking the benefits of an end-to-end advanced digital workflow that provides new opportunities and delivers high-performance spare components with reduced lead times.

The company has seen its work with pharmaceutical companies increase over the past 12-months following a £100,000 investment by Addition Design in three key areas of their business including the high-res 3D scanner which quickens downtime for customers, a portal system providing a virtual stock room of components and in production technology so the back end processes run as smoothly as possible.

Tom Fripp, director at Addition Design said: “As a business we have been focussing on end-to-end outputs and over the last 12 months heavily invested in three key areas to create a much more streamlined approach for our customers. This has really appealed to pharmaceutical manufacturers in particular, as we are able to offer a more efficient service and shorter lead in times which is a huge benefit to them.

“Our 3D scanner helps customers further reduce downtime by eliminating the need for them to send their components for reverse engineering. Instead, the AddParts team can travel to a customers’ automated production lines, scanning parts on-site and significantly reducing the time lost in transit. That starts the process of digitising critical parts which are ultimately supplied back to the customer in the form of durable, high-quality components with very quick lead times.

“So, for example, one pharma customer we have was experiencing issues on a machine’s timing system which was causing lengthy downtimes of weeks to months, and significant costs. We were able to turnaround a solution in just 72 hrs and replacement parts were back on the machine within only four days. This made a massive difference to their production and saves a lot of time and money.

“The last year has certainly been a journey of discovery for us as a business but now the pieces are coming together, and we are proud to have AddParts which is a really focussed solution for the pharmaceutical industry that manufacturers can truly benefit from.”

AddParts shortlisted at IP&E Awards 2023

Written by Jackie Cook on . Posted in News.

AddParts by Addition Design has been shortlisted in the Maintenance Solution of the Year category at the IP&E (Industrial Plant & Equipment) Awards 2023. The free to attend online ceremony will be held on 25th October 2023.

The free-to-enter IP&E Awards serve as a platform for presenting a variety of visions of industrial excellence, mirroring the diversity and top-tier quality found within the UK’s industrial landscape.

Tom Fripp, Director said “Extremely proud that we can stand alongside amazing companies who share a passion for keeping the wheels moving for uk manufacturing! Huge congratulations to the other shortlisted companies, we’ll see you all on the day!”

“Given the number of entries received, the IPE Awards panel of judges faced the daunting task of selecting the most exceptional companies, solutions and individuals,” explained Edward Lowton, editor of Industrial Plant & Equipment. “As the curtain rises on this year’s IP&E Awards, we’re thrilled to announce the carefully curated shortlist of nominees which we’re confident represents among the very best of UK industry.”

The IP&E Awards bring together an expert panel of judges including James Fudge, head of operations at the MTA; Nikesh Mistry, GAMBICA sector head – industrial automation; Alan Arthur, CEO of the GTMA; Ian Gardner, senior account technology leader at IBM; Wendy Garner, head of Coventry University’s School of Mechanical Engineering; Cliff Warne, executive director at BCAS; and Ian Manning, marketing manager at Turck Banner.

Sheffield 3D printers’ innovation set to stir up food production industry

Written by Jackie Cook on . Posted in News.

A Sheffield-based design and industrial 3D printing firm has created a revolutionary new way for the food industry to detect problems in the production process and embrace new technologies.

Addition Design, based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre in Rotherham, has designed a new process that allows food manufacturers to access production parts that meet the stringent regulatory requirements of food production components whilst taking full advantage of industrial additive manufacturing.

The process extends Addition Design’s ‘AddParts’ service – which supplies digital spares for automated production lines through the use of 3D scanning, digital data management and industrial 3D printing – into the food processing sector.

The new technique addresses a number of renowned issues that affect the industry’s ability to fully embrace the benefits of industrial 3D printing while complying with food-safety regulations and production line efficiency needs including those of low-cost, fast turnaround, blue, food contact components.

Tom Fripp, director at Addition Design, explains: “If a component on a food production line fails, it is of course imperative that any parts of that item are stopped from getting into the final food product. One of the traditional routes to achieving this takes advantage of the fact that there are very few foods that are blue in colour so blue plastic component parts have historically been used on food production lines to make broken parts easy and quick to identify. This allows the line to be shut down for an investigation and parts to be replaced.

“However, when it comes to 3D printing, this requirement has acted as a barrier for the food industry, as there are very few ways to make cost-effective, high-quality certified, blue, food contact parts using industrial 3D printing processes.

“Most approaches require the material itself to be blue which is an issue. It means the whole material stock then needs to be that colour, making the process often prohibitively expensive.”

The new process created by Addition Design exclusively for AddParts tackles the issue and aims to bring the food industry up to pace with the wider manufacturing industry’s move towards the use of industrial 3D printing.

Tom added: “We’re incredibly proud to have found a solution that works for all parties and, importantly, reduces the costs for food manufacturers which opens them up more to the possibilities and opportunities that industrial 3D printing brings.

“The particular process we have developed means that we can produce parts on demand for manufacturers, using our Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) machine and then post-process them in a way that means they still meet food contact requirements. Under our AddParts service, all the components are supplied with certification of conformity and traceability and now this is available for on-demand, hard-to-source and legacy components for food manufacturing too.

“The food and drinks industry is one of the largest sectors in UK manufacturing and our AddParts service compliments the industry perfectly but traditionally we’ve struggled to supply components into it because of the specific requirements for low cost, fast turnaround, durable, blue, food contact components. But now we can.”

Addition Design is set to officially launch the groundbreaking process later this month at the PPMA Show in Birmingham – the largest processing and packaging machinery exhibition in the UK.

Tom said: “We’re excited to be taking AddParts to this year’s PPMA event. From our initial conversations with industry, the response has been really encouraging. It’s a conundrum the 3D printing sector has been trying to solve for a long time, and we can’t wait to showcase our unique solution in the coming weeks.”

AddParts, which is delivered exclusively by Addition Design, supplies digital spares for automated production lines on demand through the use of 3D scanning, digital data management and industrial 3D printing.

AddParts set to make its mark at PPMA

Written by Jackie Cook on . Posted in News.

Addition Design, an innovative design and additive manufacturing business, is gearing up to introduce a brand-new service at this year’s PPMA Show.

AddParts, delivered exclusively by Addition Design, supplies digital spares for automated production lines on demand through the use of 3D scanning, digital data management and industrial 3D printing. It gives customers across a number of sectors a competitive advantage by reducing downtime on automated production lines.

Based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, Addition Design was one of the first businesses in the country to invest in the exciting new 3D technology and spark the start of the AddParts service.

The investment in new equipment, and in subsequent expert personnel, complements AddParts unique methodology of unlocking the benefits of industrial 3D print technology to provide new opportunities and deliver even higher performance components with reduced lead time offering a really focussed solution that manufacturers can truly benefit from.

Tom Fripp, director at Addition Design said: “With over 25 years of 3D design experience, a custom-made design and production facility and a dedicated quality management system our world-class design services deliver the broad range of quality products, devices and components demanded by the world in the 21st century. We provide solutions that require production ranging from a one-off piece to tens of thousands of parts and beyond.

“To build on this work, over the last year we have invested heavily in three key areas of our business to create AddParts. This includes the high-res 3D scanner which quickens downtime for customers as well as a portal system providing a virtual stock room of components and in-production technology to ensure the back-end processes run as smoothly as possible.

“We’re really excited to now be in a position to showcase what our new service can offer and the PPMA Show gives us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate this end-to-end process. Customers will be able to see for themselves how AddParts can supply accurate, durable replacement components in days, not weeks as our team will have the 3D scanner on the stand with them.

“We’re looking forward to showing what we can do at PPMA and meeting as many people as possible.”

AddParts will be on stand F11 throughout the PPMA Show.

 

Investment in cutting edge technology at AddParts

Written by Jackie Cook on . Posted in News.

A Sheffield based design and additive manufacturing business has invested £35,000 in cutting edge 3D scanning technology that will reduce downtime on automated production lines across a number of sectors.

AddParts have bought a handheld HandySCAN 3D Silver Series Scanner, meaning they can visit clients and scan the replacement parts on site further reducing production line downtime.

Tom Fripp, director at AddParts said: “We are thrilled to introduce this advanced 3D scanning technology to our operations. With this investment, we can help our customers further reduce downtime by eliminating the need for them to send us their components for reverse engineering. Instead, our team can travel to our customers’ automated production lines, scanning parts on-site and significantly reducing the time lost in transit.”

The company, based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre, has expanded its scanning capacity and is already working with clients in the Pharmaceutical and Food sectors to deliver this improved service.

“The scanners’ accuracy and versatility allow for the capture of detailed scan data, enabling the production of high-quality components and parts with exceptional precision.

“We chose to invest in a blue light scanner as this particular piece of technology can scan all sorts of different materials at once making it superior to the traditional red-light scanners.

“By visiting our clients on site we can also scan more parts for them and these then go onto their customer portal and a series of digital spares are created that they can access and order with ease.

“We are already reducing the times for replacement parts from the traditional ten weeks to under two weeks and this new scanner means that customers can expect their replacement parts within 5-7 days,” added Tom.

The strategic investment in the 3D scanner marks an important milestone for AddParts, enabling them to build on their reach in various industries, particularly, sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food production, and medical devices, where precision and quality are of paramount importance, will benefit from the company’s advanced 3D scanning capabilities.

Sheffield firm invests in innovative industrial 3D carbon fibre printing technology

Written by Jackie Cook on . Posted in News.

A Sheffield design and additive manufacturing business has invested £100,000 in new technology to keep it at the cutting edge of industrial 3D printing.

Addition Design, based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park Technology Centre in Sheffield, has welcomed a new Stratasys F370®CR FDM® Composite Printer as part of its investment package.

Tom Fripp, director at Addition Design said: “This new innovative 3D printer is a welcome addition to our business. The investment will improve the quality of change parts and format parts that we are able to produce.

“It will open up new opportunities for us to be able to deliver higher performance parts with reduced lead times. Customers will also benefit from the unique combination of Addition Design’s additive design capabilities with very high performing materials.”

Addition Design is one of the first businesses in the country to invest in this new technology.

Tom added: “During 2022 we saw strong demand from pharmaceutical clients and subcontract packers for our fast turnaround change parts.

“The existing 3D print systems at Addition are very good for volume and precision work but the change parts and format parts tend to be large, robust components on low volume. The new printer is better suited to this application. However, it also takes things a step further by allowing us to print carbon fibre reinforced components, hugely increasing the performance of the parts that we can produce at Addition.

“It also extends our offering into new markets including forming tools and high performance automotive.

Sheffield firm invests in innovative industrial 3D carbon fibre printing technology 6

“Industrial 3D print technology is at the forefront of enabling businesses to minimise downtime and improve profitability, what’s not to love about that!”

The Stratasys F370®CR FDM® Composite Printers supplement traditional fabrication technologies, allowing industrial manufacturers to replace metal components with high-strength 3D printed composite parts. This accelerates throughput while avoiding the opportunity cost of using production resources or the lead time of outsourcing.

This product was launched to market in 2022 to make work-holding fixtures, soft jaws, and component parts with composite 3D printing in a fraction of the time and cost it takes to machine a metal equivalent.

“We are really excited to be taking this step up in industrial 3D printing and branching out into printing in Carbon Fibre. By using this robust technology, we will be able to overcome some of the challenges in the industry at the moment by meeting the demand for fast turnaround change parts, reducing costly downtime for organisations.

Sheffield firm invests in innovative industrial 3D carbon fibre printing technology 7

“Our business is focused on design and manufacture solutions that unlock the power of industrial 3D printing for medical, industrial, food, pharmaceutical, sports and consumer goods markets, this investment will help us to achieve even more in 2023 and the years ahead,” added Tom.

Chris Andrews, Regional AM specialist, SYS Systems, said: “The last 18-24 months have put immense pressure on the manufacturing sector, and the F370 CR represents a fantastic mew addition to the Stratasys range to help alleviate some of these challenges.

“We see more and more companies everyday substituting machined metal for strong and rigid 3D printed carbon fibres, not only reducing weight and cost but freeing up your team with 24/7 reliable printing, thanks to being built on the existing and widely adopted F123 Series platform.

“Seeing Addition Design be one of the UK’s earliest adopters of this new technology emphasises the commitment to their customers. Giving them access to the brand-new FDM Nylon-CF10 for everything from bespoke jigs and fixtures, to end use production parts.”

Watch the video about the new Stratasys F370®CR FDM® Composite Printer and what benefits that can bring to you