Digital Twinning in the Additive Manufacturing Industry
Whether you’re looking for the best candidates in digital twinning or additive manufacturing or looking for your next role – Alexander Daniels Global can help. In this article, we’ll explore digital twinning in the additive manufacturing industry and how we can help you to recruit for your team.
What is a digital twin?
A digital twin is a relatively new technology that allows companies to create accurate virtual models or prototypes of physical products, systems or processes so that they can be tested, understood or improved without affecting the original. Essentially the digital twin is a copy of a real-life example made from computer code and data.
Digital twinning can be used in a variety of different industries, and is a predominant element in the integration of advanced technologies in manufacturing and production processes.
What's The Difference Between Digital Twinning and Simulation?
Although similar concepts, there are some key differences that set digital twinning and virtual simulations apart. While a digital twin is a virtual replica of something physical, a simulation is a virtual model of a system or a process that uses algorithms and mathematical workings to predict its behavior.
Digital twins and simulations can be run together, with the digital twins providing real-time data and simulations modelling and analyzing the data to ensure accurate behavioral predictions.
What are the benefits of digital twinning in the additive manufacturing industry
There are many benefits of using digital twinning in the additive manufacturing industry that allow more flexible and adaptable manufacturing processes that can respond to changing market conditions quickly.
Improved Design
Digital twinning allows engineers to simulate the entire 3D printing process. Virtual prototypes can be used to test various design ideas and optimize them before they need to be physically printed.
Digital twinning makes it easier to identify any potential faults with the structural integrity of the build and materials used which can be rectified before the product is printed. Digital twining also provides real time monitoring so that the build can be optimized and adjusted according to real life data.
Reduced Costs
Digital twinning is a cost-effective alternative to physical prototyping. This is because, through digital twinning, there is no longer a need to create physical prototypes which can be expensive.
Virtual prototypes can be altered and tested with accurate results. This makes the prototyping and development process a lot more efficient which in turn gives businesses the advantage with speed to market.
Improved Maintenance Processes
Digital twinning accurately measures the performance of 3D printed parts. Therefore, maintenance issues can be identified at the root. Parts can be replaced or made to be more durable so that any potential problems can be fixed before they have an impact on production. This makes the process more reliable, and reduces downtime and maintenance costs.
What are the different types of digital twin in additive manufacturing?
Digital twinning can take on various different forms, which all have different roles in the manufacturing process. These include:
- Process digital twin: A system digital twin replicates a digital version of the 3D printing process. This includes the design, production and maintenance.
- Equipment digital twin: This is when the equipment used is replicated digitally. This can mean that any maintenance work can be predicted and also analyze the performance.
- Facility digital twin: A facility digital twin is a digital replica of the whole facility or location, this can help redesign the layout of a space and help optimize the use of resources.
- Product digital twin: A product digital twin simulates a specific product or part, that can be tested, designed or analyzed to predict its performance.
These forms of digital twinning can be used in combination to give a complete understanding of all processes in the additive manufacturing industry along with the end product.
Although digital twinning technology is still relatively new, it’s expected to continue to evolve and expand in the future.
Working with digital twinning in the additive manufacturing industry
Here at Alexander Daniels Global, we conduct direct sourcing through targeted headhunting to access inactive candidates, alongside our database and extensive network of active candidates. To put it simply, your 3D recruitment needs can be seamlessly handled by our specialist team – putting the right candidates in front of you when you need them most.
Alternatively, if you’re working in the additive manufacturing industry, get in touch or browse our career portal to apply for our varied open job vacancies.
For more information about how we can help, contact our team of expert recruiters today. We also have a wealth of HR resources, such as our annual salary survey, to help you stay on top of hiring trends.
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