Since officially launching additive manufacturing as a new technology for the hydraulics sector at HANNOVER MESSE 2017, Aidro has stuck with its vision and continued to develop new products for 3D metal printing. The company has recognized that this relatively young technology is ideal for developing innovative hydraulic solutions -lightweight, space-saving and complex parts that deliver better performance in cramped spaces. Alberto Tacconelli, Managing Director at Aidro, explains: "Additive manufacturing enables us to create high-quality, custom components that are smaller and lighter and usually more efficient and better performing than conventional technology." The fact additive manufacturing can be used to form internal features and passageways as required makes it perfect for designing and manufacturing customized manifolds. The internal channels of the valve block have been optimized for a larger flow in a smaller space, while the potential for leakage is eliminated because no auxiliary holes have to be drilled.

Aidro is therefore showcasing a number of practical examples at HANNOVER MESSE 2018, such as how a new and innovative design approach can be used to reinvent a traditional hydraulic solution in a virtual system. Users simply integrate the necessary valves and connect them as required, since 3D printing is not tied down to conventional shapes and standards. In the case of the hydraulic manifold on show, the end result is a weight saving of 75 percent compared to a conventional system. Tacconelli is also giving a presentation on "Smart Industry" at 3 p.m. on Monday 23 April at Stand B20 in Hall 23 as part of the "Motion & Drives" forum at HANNOVER MESSE 2018.