With a special show on "Audi Toolmaking",
formnext is offering unique insights into product development
in the automotive industry
As one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers, AUDI AG has pioneering expertise when it comes to toolmaking. Audi will showcase this unique expertise at formnext in a high-level special show on "Audi Toolmaking". Formnext, the international exhibition and conference on additive technologies and toolmaking taking place in Frankfurt on November 17 to 20, 2015, is therefore offering a unique insight into product development in the automotive industry.
The metal printer uses a laser melting process. The printer develops layer for layer a three-dimensional piece. The surplus powder is removed with a brush and the metal piece laid open.
Image: AUDI AG
The special show will take visitors on a journey through the history of toolmaking at Audi to current production techniques, including the latest trends in product development and a look at Industry 4.0. It will also demonstrate how generative technology is becoming part of toolmaking at Audi and what opportunities this technology offers.
At formnext, AUDI AG will also provide an insight into toolmaking of the future. "Industry 4.0 with intelligently networked manufacturing systems play a role in this context, as does 3D printing", says Michael Breme, Head of Audi Toolmaking.
"The principle objective of current and future production chains is to have reliable manufacturing equipment", explains Max Wagner, Head of Tooling Lightweight Constructions at Audi. The company, ultimately, has to clearly and transparently document the process stability of its production, for example, in connection technology. And this requirement also applies to new technologies used in production processes in the future.
Audi Toolmaking employs approximately 2100 staff at five sites in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm, as well as in Spain, Hungary, and China. Tools for small-scale and large-scale production are designed, developed, manufactured, and tested at these sites. They include sheet metal tools (steel and aluminum), form-making tools (for example, die-cast parts), as well as forms for fiber composite parts in exterior and structural applications. "Without the center of excellence for machinery and toolmaking, it would be impossible to implement Audi's characteristic design language and the high quality requirements of the premium brand of Audi in outer shell production", says Mr. Breme.
Source: Mesago