#Germany #Nuremberg #APES #KRONOS #Aion 5X

APES Partners with KRONOS Mechatronics

In a significant development in the realm of digital manufacturing, Advanced Printed Electronic Solutions (APES) has forged a strategic partnership with KRONOS Mechatronics, a company specializing in additive manufacturing based in Nürnberg, Germany. This collaboration was announced recently during the RAPID + TCT event, showcasing an exciting evolution in additive manufactured electronics (AME).

Expanding the Product Portfolio

The partnership aims to enhance APES's product offerings by integrating KRONOS’s leading-edge technologies, including the coveted Helios and Hyperion 3D printing systems. This addition positions APES as a comprehensive service provider for clients aiming to streamline processes from initial research and development (R&D) prototyping to large-scale production manufacturing. By incorporating these advanced systems into their portfolio, APES is now equipped to address the diverse needs of their customers throughout the entire digital manufacturing spectrum.

Innovating with Aion 5X Software

APES is committed to further innovation through the integration of KRONOS’s Aion 5X CAD/CAM software platform across their operations. Aimed to support various machine architectures—including the Helios and Hyperion systems—Aion 5X offers a cohesive solution that facilitates product design, simulation, and tool path generation. This move signifies a pioneering step in providing a unified software solution encompassing both R&D rapid prototyping and production applications, enabling seamless transitions from concept to reality.

According to Rich Neill, CEO of APES, “Integrating the KRONOS Helios and Hyperion alongside our Matrix6D technology allows us to present a complete suite of solutions to our clients, catering to their needs from R&D to large-scale production.” This sentiment reflects APES’s focus on delivering not just equipment, but a holistic strategy for manufacturing innovation.

Mechanical Engineering Breakthroughs

KRONOS’ proprietary Helios and Hyperion systems stand out due to their robust five-axis motion control and compatibility with multiple printing technologies. These include:

• - Piezo and Ink Jetting
• - Aerosol-based deposition
• - Dispensing techniques
• - Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
• - Wire Encapsulating Additive Manufacturing
• - Plasma Cleaning, UV Curing, and CNC Milling
• - Surface mount device (SMD) integration
• - Advanced vision operations with substrate cameras

These capabilities allow for the intricate, multi-material functional printing that is pivotal for 3D electronics and other complex applications, positioning both Helios and Hyperion as crucial assets for companies looking to innovate in the field of additively manufactured electronic systems.

The Vision Ahead

Looking forward, both APES and KRONOS have laid out ambitious plans that are expected to significantly reshape the landscape of functional electronics. As stated by Jörg Dickerboom, CEO of KRONOS Mechatronics, “With Helios and Hyperion, and our Aion 5X software platform, we are redefining the future of the additive electronics landscape—transforming machinery into a robust operating system for next-gen electronics.” The companies plan to leverage Aion 5X to enhance tool-path simulations and optimize printing processes, ensuring a smooth and efficient manufacturing operation.

The partnership underscores APES’s commitment to not only advancing technology but also to enabling adaptive, modular environments for additive manufacturing. Their Matrix6D platform, making its debut at the RAPID + TCT conference, is poised to revolutionize traditional production methods by offering a software-defined grid of configurable tool stations, allowing for unprecedented flexibility and efficiency.

“Our goal is to equip clients with a comprehensive digital factory strategy, from R&D through production,” Neill emphasized. By aligning their technologies and strategies, APES and KRONOS aim to champion a new era of AME innovation and adoption.

For those intrigued by this exciting collaboration or looking to explore opportunities in the realm of advanced manufacturing technologies, further information is available by contacting APES directly at their event booth 1325 or through their official website.

Conclusion

In sum, the APES and KRONOS partnership represents a monumental stride in additive manufacturing, one that promises enhanced capabilities for electronics production and a more integrated approach to manufacturing processes. As the piece falls into place, the industry looks forward to the fruitful results of this coalition between two forward-thinking technology companies.