Hexagon joins ColdMetalFusion Alliance, enabling users to digitize process quality and sustainability improvements through simulation

Hexagon has joined the ColdMetalFusion (CMF) Alliance, marking a significant milestone by bringing simulation, quality assurance and digital twin capabilities to the manufacturing technology ecosystem supporting its unique additive manufacturing process.

ColdMetalFusion is an alliance of industry leaders with decades of experience in sintering, 3D printing and industrial manufacturing. Together, the Alliance members provide services, equipment, material, software and know-how to customers manufacturing metal components using its innovative selective laser sintering (SLS)-based CMF process.

Hexagon brings vast expertise in hybrid and additive manufacturing to the alliance from design for manufacturing to process simulation, quality assurance and Industry 4.0, empowering manufacturers to improve their quality and sustainability with data-driven insights throughout their end-to-end digital workflows. At its core, the partnership with the other alliance members aims to revolutionize manufacturing by establishing sustainable practices that minimize resource consumption and waste, while reducing cost per part.

A crucial first contribution to the Alliance is Hexagon’s simulations of the ColdMetalFusion sintering process and materials. Using this sinter simulation, manufacturers can now replicate and optimise every aspect of the sintering process in the digital world instead of relying on widespread trial-and-error. This transformative approach accelerates the development process, reducing costly errors and enabling production efficiencies and high quality standards from the first print.

Through its membership, Hexagon will also work with the Alliance and its community to apply quality inspection and assurance as a strategic pillar for ColdMetalFusion. Hexagon's expertise in quality assurance aligns perfectly with the alliance's goal of achieving unparalleled manufacturing precision, robustness and 24/7 operation of a factory. By integrating advanced inspection techniques into ColdMetalFusion processes, Hexagon and the Alliance are set to raise the bar for quality in additive manufacturing, delivering products that meet the most stringent requirements at high volume and repeatability.

Dr. Tarik El Dsoki, Managing Director Design & Engineering for the DACH region at Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, elaborated on the significance of this partnership, saying, "We envision a manufacturing future where sustainability, efficiency, and digitalization are seamlessly integrated. Through our membership in the ColdMetalFusion Alliance, we are taking steps towards realizing this vision. Our commitment to simulation-driven design, scalability, and sustainability aligns perfectly with the goals of the ColdMetalFusion Alliance, and we are excited about the transformative impact it will have on the industry."

Hexagon's membership in the ColdMetalFusion Alliance signifies a monumental step towards a more sustainable, efficient, and digitally driven future for manufacturing. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like simulation, quality inspection and addressing sustainability challenges, they will help us to harness the synergies of the alliance to contribute to a brighter future in manufacturing.

Beyond technology, the alliance also brings together a wealth of expertise from its members, allowing customers to immediately gain from the pool of knowledge. By working hand-in-hand with the ColdMetalFusion Alliance, Hexagon and other members also gain access to invaluable insights and resources that help with thorough technology validation.

On the Formnext exhibition in November in Frankfurt, Germany, Headmade Materials will inform customers about the ColdMetalFusion process including the sinter-simulation of Hexagon in hall 11.1, booth D58.

 

About Hexagon

Hexagon is the global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.

Our technologies are shaping production and people related ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous – ensuring a scalable, sustainable future. Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division provides solutions that use data from design and engineering, production and metrology to make manufacturing smarter. For more information, visit hexagon.com/mi.

Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.2bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.