Digital Factory: The tools for the next steps to Industry 4.0

Hannover-Messe

The slogan for HANNOVER MESSE 2014 is “Integrated Industry_Next Steps.” Exhibitors in Hall 7 at Digital Factory at HANNOVER MESSE are focusing on the most important tools and systems for the next steps to the industrial revolution known as Industry 4.0.

In addition to transparent data flow, thorough digitization is needed to consolidate individual production steps even more fully. Without this digitization and transparency, companies can neither develop nor produce networked, mutually communicating technical systems cost-effectively – the kind that will dominate markets in the future. This is the only way that their behavior, characteristics and functions can be simulated and tested before production. Tests on physical prototypes are generally too expensive and too slow to keep up with the dynamic pace being set by  today’s software.

“Efficient use of PLM, MES, ERP and the many modeling methods that come under CAx is the prerequisite for approaching the vision of Industry 4.0,” said Marc Siemering, business area manager at Deutsche Messe. “Nowhere in the world can the current state of technology in this crucial field be seen in the same full scope as at Digital Factory.”

At the same time, the leading international fair for integrated processes and IT solutions offers an opportunity for hands-on experience of digital product simulation and the simulation of production planning and control. Digital Factory exhibitors take part in live discussions of the the next steps toward Industry 4.0.

In a way, the Digital Factory is the heart of the fourth industrial revolution. The reason: The products on display turn the visions of future product development and production into reality. More than ever, the leading international fair for integrated processes and IT solutions represents the areas of process integration, virtual product development, product life cycle management, visualization, supply chain management, enterprise resource planning, manufacturing execution systems, technical sales and service, and virtual commissioning, along with offline programming and set-up, rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing.

NEW: 3D printing in industrial processes

At Digital Factory 2014, two different additive manufacturing processes from Stratasys are offering examples of technologies suited to industry and relevant to practical applications. In addition to 3D, CAD or scan input data, subsequent potential processes such as casting, refining and inscribing are presented. This opens up an entire Additive Manufacturing process chain for the visitor that can even be used via the Internet. More information is available at www.ncg.de.

MES meeting, CAE Forum and 3D Technology Cinema

The MES meeting, an old favorite by now and in high demand among participants, returns for the sixth time. Its two day program will highlight successfully realized applications, especially from discrete manufacturing and the process industry. Its partners are the NAMUR, VDI, VDMA and ZVEI associations, along with IT&PRODUCTION and PROCESS on the media side.

The joint CAE Forum stand is all about digital simulation.  Computing experts and software manufacturers explain topics such as FEM, CFD and MKS, along with many other approaches and methods that contribute to solutions in virtual product development. Two expert meetings are part of the program of the CAE Forum in the coming year: the second international regular gathering on Tuesday of fair week and the ninth North German simulation forum on Thursday of that week.

Under the slogan “SIMPLIFY 3D,” visitors confront the preconceived notion of a complicated 3D operations. In cooperation with VDC Fellbach, rounds of expert talks, workshops and podium discussions address various 3D visualization technologies relating to the ever-stronger networking of industrial production flow. More than ever, companies are focusing on efficient, internal processes, and better and better products are emerging from increasingly short development cycles. The development of software-supported products and production in 3D facilitate cost reductions, accelerate development processes and improve product quality. 3D Technology Cinema exhibitors show precisely how that works at Digital Factory.

HANNOVER MESSE – Get new technology first!

The world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology is staged annually in Hannover, Germany. The next HANNOVER MESSE will run from 7 to 11 April 2014 and feature the Netherlands as its official Partner Country. HANNOVER MESSE 2014 will comprise seven flagship fairs: Industrial Automation • Energy • MobiliTec • Digital Factory • Industrial Supply • IndustrialGreenTec • Research & Technology. The upcoming event will place a strong emphasis on Industrial Automation and IT, Energy and Environmental Technologies, Industrial Subcontracting, Production Engineering and Services and Research & Development.

Your contact for further information:

Silke Gathmann

Tel.:     +49 511 89-31614

E-mail: silke.gathmann@messe.de

Further press releases as well as photos are available for downloading at:

www.hannovermesse.de/pressservice