fiberSYS, a new additive-manufacturing scan head by ScanLab
ScanLab GmbH, an OEM scan solution producer, is unveiling a new additive-manufacturing scan head at Germany’s formnext 2019 tradeshow in Frankfurt. ScanLab used its 3D printing knowledge into fiberSYS so that sector newcomers, too, can use this all-in-one solution to quickly and easily create laser systems and scalable machine designs. The compact scan system optimizes machine assembly times for integrators and fabrication process times for users.
The 3D printing sector has been utilizing multi-head machines for many years. Productivity for large-area workpieces, in particular, can be significantly enhanced by combining multiple scan systems with high-overlap image fields. The new system was developed with this key relationship in mind. Its exterior dimensions and beam exit location are optimized to facilitate maximum overlap between adjacent scanners.
ScanLab know-how of laser beam positioning for additive manufacturing has been applied to the new fiberSYS as a turn-key system solution that simplifies machine construction. Machine builders can now concentrate completely on laser processes, without being burdened by their tool’s optomechanical design complexities.
The new scan system is configured for control via an RTC board, and for deflection of multi-KW single-mode fiber lasers. The sealed dust-proof scan head features a fiber adapter for direct connection of the laser, as well as a process monitoring interface. Ultra-low-drift galvos with digital encoders are regulated via the newest generation of servo electronics. In combination with its optimally designed mirrors, the system delivers high imaging quality and dynamic performance. Its pre-focus configuration with integrated z-axis enables scan head usage without an F-Theta objective, thus reducing thermal drift.
The new metal-based additive manufacturing scan solution can be ordered starting Q2 2020. ScanLab will issue design recommendations for optimal usage of multiple scan heads, but this is also an open, modular system platform flexibly adaptable to customer-specific requirements.
2023 promises an interesting ride for print in India
Indian Printer and Publisher founded in 1979 is the oldest B2B trade publication in the multi-platform and
multi-channel IPPGroup. While the print and packaging industries have been resilient in the past 33 months since the pandemic lockdown of 25 March 2020, the commercial printing and newspaper industries have yet to recover their pre-Covid trajectory.
The fragmented commercial printing industry faces substantial challenges as does the newspaper industry.
While digital short-run printing and the signage industry seem to be recovering a bit faster, ultimately
their growth will also be moderated by the progress of the overall economy. On the other hand book
printing exports are doing well but they too face several supply-chain and logistics challenges.
The price of publication papers including newsprint has been high in the past year while availability is diminished by several mills shutting down their publication paper and newsprint machines in the past four years. Indian paper mills are also exporting many types of paper and have raised prices for Indian printers. To some extent, this has helped in the recovery of the digital printing industry with its on-demand short-run and low-wastage paradigm.
Ultimately digital print and other digital channels will help print grow in a country where we are still far behind in our paper and print consumption and where digital is a leapfrog technology that will only increase the demand for print in the foreseeable future. For instance, there is no alternative to a rise in textbook consumption but this segment will only reach normality in the next financial year beginning on 1 April 2023.
Thus while the new normal is a moving target and many commercial printers look to diversification, we believe that our target audiences may shift and change. Like them, we will also have to adapt with agility to keep up with their business and technical information needs.
Our 2023 media kit is ready, and it is the right time to take stock and reconnect with your potential markets and customers. Print is the glue for the growth of liberal education, new industry, and an emerging economy. We seek your participation in what promises to be an interesting ride.
