Siemens Xcelerator Powers Haddy's Circular Manufacturing Expansion

Problem Haddy, a U.S.-based additive manufacturing company, faced the challenge of scaling local production while maintaining a focus on sustainability and circular materials. The company needed to integrate design, robotics, and CNC workflows to support its vision of distributed microfactories that could produce large-format components using recyclable and biodegradable materials. The goal was to reduce supply chain complexity, minimize material waste, and ensure products could be recycled at the end of their life cycle.

Solution Haddy turned to Siemens' Xcelerator digital business platform to create a seamless digital workflow linking product design, manufacturing planning, and automation. Here's how they implemented the solution:

- **Design and Production**: Siemens' Designcenter™ software was employed to design large-format additive parts and prepare them for robotic production. This ensured that the components were optimized for both performance and manufacturability. - **Data Management**: Teamcenter® software was used to manage product data and configurations across Haddy's network of microfactories. This centralized approach allowed for consistent data management and streamlined communication between sites.

- **CNC Control and Robotics**: SINUMERIK, Siemens' CNC control platform, was integrated for motion control and shop-floor execution. This included the control of CEAD's large-format robotic extrusion platforms, enabling precise and efficient production of large components.

- **Product Optimization**: Haddy adopted Simcenter™ Optistruct® software for product optimization and validation of large-scale parts. This step was crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and performance of the components.

- **Manufacturing Execution**: NX™ X Manufacturing, a cloud-enabled solution, was utilized for build strategy definition, NC programming, simulation, and execution of large-format robotic additive manufacturing processes. This cloud-based setup allowed for flexible software access and reduced IT overhead.

- **Subtractive CNC Machining**: Haddy also incorporated subtractive CNC machining within the same toolset for CAM programming, simulation, and verification, ensuring a comprehensive manufacturing process.

Results The implementation of Siemens Xcelerator has enabled Haddy to achieve several key milestones in its mission to expand local additive manufacturing with circular materials:

- **Efficient Production**: By using CNC-based path control and robot kinematics, Haddy has been able to produce large-format components with high precision and efficiency. This has been particularly beneficial for industries such as furniture, marine, and defense, where large, complex parts are common.

- **Reduced Waste**: The ability to design products for recyclability and reuse, coupled with the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials, has significantly reduced material waste. Products are now designed with their end-of-life in mind, allowing for the recovery and repurposing of materials.

- **Scalability**: The cloud-based NX X Manufacturing solution has facilitated Haddy's expansion by providing scalable software access and the ability to add capabilities through value-based licensing tokens. This has allowed the company to grow its distributed production model without a proportional increase in IT costs.

- **Operational Integration**: The integration of Siemens' software tools has streamlined Haddy's operations, from design to production. This has resulted in a more cohesive and efficient manufacturing process, with improved data management and communication across sites.

"By leveraging Siemens Xcelerator, we have been able to create a sustainable and scalable model for local additive manufacturing," said Jay Rodgers, CEO of Haddy. "Our digitally connected microfactories are now better equipped to meet the demands of various industries while maintaining our commitment to circularity and domestic supply chains."

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