Lexicon of the manufacturing industry

• Additive manufac­turing

  The additive manufacturing term refers to all , in which material layer is applied to a three-dimensional component for layer. The forming method has its strengths, especially in highly complex structures, and enables the user to have a high degree of design freedom and functional optimization. To date, additive manufacturing has been used predominantly in prototype construction and in the production of small batch sizes. Meanwhile, however, the technology is increasingly moving into series production, as it enables the strong individualization of products and gives the user the opportunity to differentiate themselves on the market.

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• Anodizing

  The anodizing is a process for surface treatment of aluminum. By means of anodic oxidation, a protective layer can be produced on the metal, which prevents the natural, uncontrolled oxidation of the metal by reaction with oxygen from the ambient air. The special feature of the method is that, unlike for example in, no layer is applied, but a conversion of the uppermost aluminum layer takes place. This layer serves not only for corrosion protection, it can also be colored by means of an additional process step. Resistance and optics of the anodized layer can be influenced by the suitable choice of the process parameters.

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• Automation engineering

  The field of automation technology deals with the improvement of the degree of automation of machines and systems. The primary aim of all measures of automation technology is to relieve the human being from strenuous, time-consuming and dangerous work. The associated cost reductions and quality improvements are further reasons for greater automation in industry. The aim is achieved primarily by signal acquisition independent of humans and requires extensive knowledge of the fields of mechatronics, electrical engineering, control technology, robotics and information technology.

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