Formnext wraps up today, and it’s been a packed four days, with lots of new 3D printers and announcements of collaborations and partnerships that intend to advance additive manufacturing technology. Among the new 3D printers are two from Sisma, an Italian company that has been building laser systems and machinery since 1961. The Everes Zero and Everes Uno are DLP 3D printers designed to cater to several markets, including dental, medical and industrial production.
Both 3D printers features Sisma’s patent pending Zero Tilting Technology (ZTT). During the print job, the vat is fixed in the printer while the glass tilts after each layer, avoiding the suction effect and subsequent mechanical stress. A Smart Build Platform (SBP), also patent pending, self-aligns and self-zeroes after every print and features an automatic detachment function that reduces the risk of damaging prints. The bottom of the vat is made from PTFE, an inert material that allows for non-degenerative 3D printing and high dimensional precision, along with high repeatability and reliability. The resin cartridges are automatically recognized by RFID tags, allowing for automatic loading and unloading.
The Everes Zero and Everes Uno come with user-friendly “Click and Make” software for a 3D printing process that is easy, streamlined and highly automated. Ease of use is one of Sisma’s prime goals for these two new 3D printers, and its many automated features minimize the necessity of manual intervention while maintaining a focus on high quality prints.
A few specifications for the Everes Zero:
Build volume: 96 x 54 x 200 mm
Dimensions: 411 x 970 x 272 mm
XY pixel resolution: 50 micrometers
Layer thickness: 10 to 200 micrometers
Print speed: up to 6 cm per minute
Specifications for the Everes Uno:
Build volume: 124.8 x 70.2 x 200 mm
Dimensions: 411 x 970 x 272 mm
XY pixel resolution: 65 micrometers
Layer thickness: 10 to 200 micrometers
Print speed: up to 6 cm per minute
Sisma offers several resins that are compatible with both new 3D printers. Resin One is designed for exceptional surface quality, while Spritz ABS offers high precision well-suited for industrial applications in particular. Dental Model is formulated for high resolution, precision, and smooth surface finish for dental molding, and Green Cast is an extremely high-precision resin aimed at jewelry 3D printing. Grey Master is an especially hard resin designed for prototyping and functional parts.
Sisma, in its early days, produced machinery for the automatic production of gold chains for the jewelry industry. It has since come a long way, now encompassing production solutions for marking, welding, cutting, engraving and additive manufacturing. The company began using laser technology in 2001, and entered the additive manufacturing market in 2014. In addition to SLA/DLP technology, Sisma offers a larger range of Laser Metal Fusion 3D printers directed at the jewelry, medical, dental and industrial markets.
Formnext may be finishing up today, but you can still pay Sisma a visit if you’re there and take a look at its new 3D printers. Stop by and see the company at Booth C11 in Hall 3.0.
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Feeding the 3D printing industry’s apparent demand for peripheral/auxiliary devices, the new SLS machine from Swiss machines manufacturer Sintratec is promising “print, depowder and prepare” all in one system. Named the Sintratec S2, SLS 3D printing is completed in this system by a modular Material Core Unit, Material Handling Station, Blasting Station and Polishing Station. Together […]
The Ultimate 3D Printing Store (U3DPS), based in Florida, was one of the first resellers in the US to carry engineering-grade XSTRAND 3D printing filament by Owens Corning. This exclusive material is part of the Ultimaker ecosystem, as it can now be used with the Ultimaker S5 thanks to the CC Red 0.6 print core, which Ultimaker just released on Tuesday. But more good news has just been announced for these three, in the form of a single, powerful solution for industrial 3D printing.
“We are thrilled to announce that our exclusive 3Domus Filtration System (3DFS), which we designed specifically for the Ultimaker S5, will be available the same day,” said Roy Kirchner, Founder and President of the Ultimate 3D Printing Store.
The combination of the Ultimaker S5, XSTRAND filament, and the 3DFS safety enclosure is sure to have many industrial users reaching for their wallets. 3DFS is actually the first safety enclosure designed specifically for use with XSTRAND filaments and Ultimaker 3D printers.
“Ultimaker is rightly regarded as making the world’s best FFF 3D printers. And Owens Corning has created a filament that will revolutionize 3D additive manufacturing. Now, our company is debuting the first, and only, safety enclosure for the Ultimaker S5, which we believe not only completes this luxury machine but allows XSTRAND to print to its fullest capacity,” said Kirchner.
The enclosure, with U3DPS says is the first of its kind, was designed so Ultimaker S5 users could 3D print with more exotic filaments, such as XSTRAND, without contaminating their work space or damaging the machine.
The 3DFS safety enclosure, which Kirchner says is also compatible with the Ultimaker 3, Ultimaker 3 Extended, Ultimaker 2+, and Ultimaker 2 Extended 3D printers, comes pre-assembled, so you can take it out of the box and put it right to work. The enclosure comes with an optional activated carbon and HEPA filtration system, and offers “maximum protection” with no screws necessary to attach it to the 3D printer.
Safety and protection during 3D printing is a big deal. When 3D printers are used in places where a lot of people are around, like business and schools, there’s always a danger of inhaling small particles and potentially dangerous fumes. Last month, 3DPrint.com spoke with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is the part of the US government that researches the safety of workers in many different professions.
“If a risk cannot be eliminated, engineering controls such as a fume hood or local exhaust ventilation (a system that specifically ventilates the printer rather than the air in a room) with HEPA/carbon filtration would be the next preferred method to reduce emission levels. Some 3-D printers are now being sold with built-in filtration units,” the group of NIOSH researchers told us last month when asked how people should best protect themselves from potential 3D printing risks.
“In one workplace, NIOSH researchers showed that an appropriately designed and operated local exhaust ventilation with HEPA/carbon filtration reduced the amounts of particles and chemicals in air.”
According to Kirchner, U3DPS was inspired to develop a safety-conscious and attractive add-on unit because none of the 3D printers by Ultimaker currently come with their own factory-built enclosures.
Kirchner explained, “Anyone who works with one of these high-end printers, especially in an enclosed environment, should have this enclosure, not only to protect their machine from outside contaminants and to maintain internal thermal management, but also to keep their work environment free of fumes during the printing process.
“Our clear enclosure fits over your Ultimaker printer like a glove, forming a seal, while still allowing full view of the printing process.”
The company’s new Ultimaker safety enclosure can be purchased with or without the activated carbon and HEPA filtration system. Each 33DFS unit comes pre-drilled, so it can easily attached to an Ultimaker 3D printer. But in addition to offering us a safer way to use our 3D printers, the best news is that the safety enclosure is relatively affordable…maybe not for someone like me, who hates spending large amounts of money on fancy equipment (thus, why I do not own a 3D printer), but for those who spend a lot of time 3D printing, it’s worth the cost.
The enclosure can be purchased without the filtration system for a price between $179 and $379, while including the 3DFS with the enclosure will cost, depending on the 3D printer, anywhere from $299 (Ultimaker 2+) to $499 (Ultimaker S5). Additionally, you can also purchase the activated carbon and HEPA filtration system separately for just $129; replacement filters are only $29 each. But if you’re interested, you’d better act fast – the company expects that the limited quantity of enclosures currently available for purchase in its initial production run will sell out fast. Visit the Ultimate 3D Printing Store website to purchase yours today.
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[Images provided by The Ultimate 3D Printing Store]
TRIDITIVE, a Spanish 3D printer manufacturer, is looking to accelerate the adoption of serial additive manufacturing of metal parts. The 3D printer manufacturer will achieve its goal of high volume production with its AMCELL 3D printer, and the Ultrafuse 316LX filament, made by the largest chemical producer in the world, BASF. Mariel Diaz, CEO of TRIDITIVE, said, […]
Swiss 3D printer developer and manufacturer Sintratec, which has been busily adding resellers around the world in countries like France, Germany, and South Korea this year, is at formnext 2018 in Frankfurt this week, like most of the rest of the 3D printing industry. The company is presenting its new compact, industrial 3D printer – the Sintratec S2 – which, like its predecessors the Sintratec S1 and the Sintratec Kit, is based on SLS technology.
The modular system is interesting in terms of SLS technology in that it integrates, and semi-automates, the laser sintering, de-powdering, material preparation, and surface treatment processes. The end-to-end solution allows users to benefit from economic operation with decreased down times, precisely 3D printed objects with freedom of form, and no more annoying cleaning processes. This could reduce cost per part.
Not only is the new Sintratec S2 good for optimizing application designs of small- and medium-sized series production, but it’s also a great method for manufacturing prototypes. The smart system has a modular construction, with the build chamber located inside the Material Core Unit, but easy to remove from the Laser Sintering Station. The unit also comes with an integrated powder mixing function for convenient powder handling. To process different materials, users need only expand the Sintratec S2 with an additional Material Core Unit.
If SLS components require better surface qualities once off the print bed, the blast cabinet Sintratec Blasting Station can take care of it, while the Sintratec Polishing Station – a magnetic tumbler – helps to seal surface impurities and give the completed parts a smoother finish. In addition, the Sintratec Material Handling Station cleanly collects both used and excess 3D printing material sieves it for reprocessing.
The 3D printer’s Sintratec Laser Sintering Station comes with a cylindric printing area, made up of a new heating and ventilation concept, so it can receive consistent, homogeneous print results. It comes with an integrated 4K camera to control print jobs and evaluate each layer’s surface in real time, and its laser scanning system offers a faster print speed and enhanced process repeatability. The Sintratec S2 is fully operated through an intuitive touchscreen.
The Sintratec S2 allows users to focus on the applications of tomorrow, and tap potential for professional prototyping purposes. It is well-suited for developing more complex components, which can provide designers and engineers both economic and creative benefits.
Thanks to its modular design, users of the Sintratec S2 can expand their production capacity by adding specific modules, and achieve high-quality SLS prints. The company is now accepting purchase reservations for its new Sintratec S2 3D printer, and you can see it for yourself this week at formnext, which ends on Friday, at the Sintratec booth G79 in Hall 3.1. If you’re unable to make it to Frankfurt, you can also see the SLS system in action by watching the video below:
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At formnext this week, large-scale 3D printing company BigRep introduced its latest sizable offerings in the form of two new industrial FFF 3D printers called the BigRep PRO and BigRep EDGE. The next-generation 3D printers will allow designers and engineers to create functional prototypes, composite tooling, end-use parts and small-number serial production. The PRO and EDGE are both capable of 3D printing with high-performance materials and are aimed at establishing additive manufacturing as a production technology in industries such as automotive, aerospace, consumer goods and manufacturing.
The two new 3D printers are embedded with MXT, BigRep’s Metering Extruder Technology, and equipped with a Bosch Rexroth motion control system for speed, precision, quality and IoT connectivity.
“This new technology delivers the type of innovation that the industry has been awaiting, as our groundbreaking MXT® system makes our new printers five times faster – with greater precision and quality – than current extrusion speeds,” said BigRep CEO Stephan Beyer, PhD. “This is one giant leap for additive manufacturing, allowing BigRep customers to make full use of today’s most advanced large-scale 3D printing technology.”
The BigRep PRO has a build envelope of one cubic meter and a large, temperature-controlled spool chamber allowing for continuous printing of high-performance materials such as ASA/ABS, nylon and more. An insulated, enclosed metal frame allows for even temperature control, while glass doors allow the user to keep an eye on the print. A heated print bed is mounted with polyimide foil for better adhesion during the 3D printing process, and an integrated inductive sensor allows for semi-automatic leveling.
The BigRep EDGE has a build envelope of 1500 x 800 x 600 mm and is designed for printing high-performance materials on a large scale. End-use parts, composite tooling and functional prototypes are all possible. A heated build chamber provides a controlled, high-temperature environment of up to 200° C in the chamber and 220° C in the print bed. The EDGE is also designed to be easy to use, with automatic, upward-moving doors and an easy-to-use graphical interface on a large screen that enables full control over all print settings.
The BigRep EDGE
The partnership between BigRep and Bosch Rexroth was announced last month, and the PRO and EDGE 3D printers are the first by BigRep to incorporate Bosch’s control systems and drives.
“Thanks to professional control systems technology, 3D printing is establishing itself as an industrial manufacturing application,” said Thomas Fechner, Director of the Business Unit New Business at Bosch Rexroth. “In terms of hardware, the CNC control system by Bosch Rexroth is delivering the necessary performance, precision and durability. In our development partnership with BigRep, we are advancing the potential of 3D printing for its use in the environment of the Factory of the Future.”
Meanwhile, BigRep’s MXT technology allows for a clear separation between filament feeding and melting and molten extrusion, enabling full control over the amount and speed of material extruded at any given time. The technology is designed to take full advantage of the new 3D printing materials BigRep is developing in partnership with BASF. Both the PRO and EDGE are equipped with two MXT modular extrusion heads, which manage and synchronize the printing operations.
When used with its finest 0.6 mm nozzle, the PRO can achieve printing speeds of more than 600 mm per second, five times faster than any other FFF 3D printer on the market, according to BigRep. The EDGE can reach speeds of 1,000 mm per second with the same size nozzle. Both 3D printers have achieved filament throughput rate of 5x at the maximum extrusion rate and 3x at the average extrusion rate compared to standard FFF technology.
Formnext is taking place in Frankfurt, Germany until November 16th. You can visit BigRep and learn more about its new technology at Booth E-20 in Hall 3.1.
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Laser-Sinter-Service (LSS) has been around since 2002 and is dedicated to the development and manufacturing of laser sintering 3D printers. They used to be the service organization for the venerable DTM SLS Printers that did their duty for decades. This week at formnext, the company is introducing its RAPTOR series of 3D printers, which consists of two models.
The RAPTOR 84X-Q offers a build envelope of 800 x 400 x 480 mm and, according to LSS, is the first-ever polymer laser sintering platform with a quad laser/scanner system. This allows for extremely fast production rates. A dual laser/scanner module will be available under the name of RAPTOR 84X-D. The RAPTOR 22X-S is the entry-level model in the series, with a build envelope of 250 x 250 x 300 mm and high temperature printing capabilities.
The RAPTOR 22X-S
Both models will be available in a TM version that features the Airbus-patented ThermoMelt process for high-performance industrial parts.
“The combination of modularity, highest productivity and the new ThermoMeltTM process enables LSS to take the next big step in becoming a leading solution provider for Industrial Additive Manufacturing and highly demanding applications,” said Guido Elbrecht, CEO of LSS. “The intrinsic features of our machines make high-performing, serial, and durable 3D printing a reality for our customers.”
The RAPTOR-TM series features high strength in the Z direction and delivers high density parts for a relatively low cost. Previously, the use of high performance polymers required high process temperatures, which caused significant thermal aging of the polymer and made it nearly impossible to reuse expensive materials like PEKK, PPA and PPS. ThermoMelt, on the other hand, as utilized by the RAPTOR-TM series, operates at lower temperatures and avoids thermal aging, making up to 95 percent recyclability of these polymers possible. Parts will be cheaper and much easier to make as a result.
“While designing the RAPTOR 84X-Q, we had typical LSS values in mind – be open, flexible, innovative and reliable,” said Hermann Hanning, CTO of LSS. “Thanks to its strict modular design, we can upgrade or modify the machine to match all process or application relevant requirements. This makes the RAPTOR series fit for the future and allows optimal integration and adaption according to the individual needs of each and every customer.”
LSS has branches in both Austria and Germany and describes itself as a customer-focused company that works with clients at every step of the additive manufacturing journey. The company offers not only machines but materials, peripheral systems and support, as well as spare parts and upgrades. In addition to laser sintering machines, LSS works with SLA 3D printers, though to a lesser extent.
Formnext is taking place in Frankfurt, Germany until November 16th. If you’re at the show, you can visit LSS and learn more about the new RAPTOR series at Booth E31 in Hall 3.1. 3DPrint.com is also at formnext; you can catch up on our continuing coverage of the show’s many ongoing developments.
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We should really call today’s 3D Printing News Briefs the formnext 2018 Briefs, as announcements from the show are numerous this week. EnvisionTEC, XYZprinting, BASF, and DSM all introduced new 3D printing materials at the event in Frankfurt today, and in the only news not related to formnext, Imerys Ceramics has announced a new range of ceramic feedstocks.
EnvisionTEC Debuting First 4K 3D Printing System
At formnext, 3D printer manufacturer EnvisionTEC debuted the industry’s first DLP-based 3D printer that uses a true 4K projector with UV optics tuned to the 385 nm wavelength. Available in three production-ready variations, with a gray body and a 2560 x 1600 pixel projector resolution, the Perfactory P4K 3D printer delivers highly accurate parts with an ultra-smooth surface finish. Additionally, the Perfactory P4K, has access to the rest of the Perfactory line’s versatile materials portfolio for production capacity.
“The P4K is the highest resolution advanced DLP printer with the largest build envelope and deploys artificial intelligence in pixel modulation to deliver the highest accuracy parts with the smoothest available surface finish in the 3D printing space. This will deliver the next level of production-grade 3D printing solutions,” said Al Siblani, the CEO of EnvisionTEC.
The new Perfactory P4K will be on display at formnext all week.
XYZprinting Introducing New 3D Printing Materials
Another company introducing new materials at formnext this week is desktop 3D printing brand XYZprinting. In order to expand the capabilities of both domestic and professional grade 3D printers, the company is launching a new antibacterial PLA material, along with copper metallic PLA and Carbon PLA materials. The first of these can destroy up to 99% of bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and comes in four colors: white, red, yellow and neon green.
The copper metallic PLA, made of 65% copper powder, is a good alternative for hobbyists when it comes to sculpting metal for ornamental models. The material is being launched in conjunction with XYZprinting’s new nozzle, made of carbon hardened steel. Finally, the new Carbon PLA, which is also compatible with this new nozzle, is made of 10% carbon fiber, and its matte finish is ideal for showing off fine details. You can learn more about these new materials at XYZprinting’s booth D10 in Hall 3.1, where it will also be exhibiting its latest 3D printer, the da Vinci Color AiO, with a 3D scanner and optional laser engraver.
BASF 3D Printing Solutions Presents New Products at formnext
Germany-based BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH (B3DPS), a 100% subsidiary of BASF New Business GmbH, is also at formnext this week, to introduce several new materials for photopolymer and laser sintering methods, in addition to announcing some new partnerships and alliances. First, B3DPS is introducing flame-resistant Ultrasint Polyamide PA6 Black FR, Ultrasint PA6 Black LM X085, which is suitable for most current SLS 3D printers, and Ultrasint PP, a polypropylene with great plasticity, low moisture uptake, and resistance to liquids and gases. Additionally, B3DPS has also grouped its photopolymer materials under the new Ultracur3D brand name.
András Marton, Senior Business Development Manager at B3DPS, said, “Our Ultracur3D portfolio enables us to offer customers various UV-curable materials for 3D printing that provide far better mechanical properties and higher long-term stability than most available materials.
“These materials have been developed for functional components that are subject to high stress.”
The subsidiary also announced that it’s partnering with California company Origin and 3D printer manufacturer Photocentric to develop photopolymers and photopolymer 3D printing processes, and working with Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Xunshi Technology, which operates in the US under the name SprintRay, to open up new applications for the Ultracur3D range. Additionally, B3DPS subsidiary Innofil3D is partnering with Jet-Mate Technology in China and US-based M. Holland to distribute plastic filaments. Visit B3DPS at formnext this week at booth F20 in Hall 3.1.
DSM Announces 3D Printing Product Launches
Vent cover used for PIV windtunnel testing, printed in Somos PerFORM Reflect
In today’s final formnext news, science-based company DSM has unveiled two new high-performance materials for 3D printing structural parts. Somos PerFORM Reflect is a groundbreaking new stereolithography material for wind tunnel testing with PIV (Particle Imaging Velocimetry), and saves more than 30% post treatment cost by eliminating the need to apply PIV coatings to printed parts. In addition to helping customers conduct iterations and collect data more quickly, the resin could actually help break speed records for wind tunnel testing.
“Speed is crucial, whether in automotive, aerospace or other transportation design. Eliminating the need to apply PIV coatings is a major breakthrough for customers who are using PIV wind tunnel testing. It allows them to speed up their aerodynamic design optimizations. We are thrilled that our strategy of focusing on helping customers create their applications have enabled us to deliver such tremendous value. Overnight, Somos® PerFORM Reflect will not just set new speed records but new industry standards,” said Hugo da Silva, Vice President of Additive Manufacturing at DSM.
The company’s second new material is the thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) Arnitel ID2060 HT, which is perfect for the FDM 3D printing of structural parts for automotive applications. The material features a balance of prolonged high temperature resistance, flexibility, and chemical resistance against exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) condensate.
Imerys Ceramics Introduces EZ Print 3D Range of Ceramic Feedstocks
As part of the Imerys group, Imerys Ceramics designs, produces, and markets high-performance mineral solutions for the ceramic industries, and is making ceramic 3D printing easy with its new, unique range of ceramic materials called EZ Print 3D.
EZ Print 3D is available as a plug & play cartridge, so users can enjoy efficiency and ease of use when it comes to 3D printing. The materials are also available as a “ready to fill” ceramic feedstock, and have been tested on several 3D printers currently on the market. EZ Print 3D has a low firing temperature of 1220°C that’s compatible with most kiln temperature limits, and the genuine low porosity (<0,5%) of a porcelain. The technology is perfect for tableware and giftware applications, and the company plans to expand EZ Print 3D accordingly as 3D printing adoption grows. Imerys Ceramics also provides technical support and a dedicated team that’s competent in 3D printing to help customers.
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A little over two years ago, GE acquired a 75% stake in metal 3D printing leader Concept Laser. Ever since then, GE Additive has been working to review and redesign the system, software, and design architecture of Concept Laser’s M LINE FACTORY 3D printer so that it’s in line with established GE processes. The modular system has also been undergoing beta testing with some selected customers. But today at formnext in Frankfurt, GE Additive announced that its first Concept Laser M LINE FACTORY systems will finally be delivered to customers in Q2 of 2019.
The M LINE Factory provides excellent reliability and automation, which in turn drives scalable, economical series production on an industrial scale – something that most current standalone machine solutions cannot achieve. As the technology continues its transition from prototyping to production, the demand for quality 3D printers, along with operators to run them and floor space to house them, is rising.
“The positive impact the M LINE FACTORY can have on our customers’ operations and their bottom line is huge,” said Jason Oliver, the President and CEO of GE Additive. “It’s important we provide technologically advanced systems that are reliable and add value to our customers. M LINE FACTORY delivers on those commitments.”
The system is an important part of GE Additive’s focus on providing reliable, repeatable 3D printers that are ready for series production. The M LINE FACTORY has a maximum build envelope of 500 x 500 x up to 400 mm³ (x,y,z), and is optionally equipped with one to four laser sources, each one delivering 1,000 W of power.
During the last two years of lifetime and rig testing, the company identified several areas for improvement that have since been incorporated, such as the onboard software system, which offers real-time, in-situ process monitoring, modularized architecture, and superior exposure strategies. The 3D printer’s automation and in-machine architecture have been improved, and its ease of service, scalable modular system design, serviceability, process control, and thermal stability have all been enhanced.
The set-up and dismantling processes, along with part production, actually occur in two independent machine units, which can either be combined or operated separately from one another, according to the customer’s preference. This makes it possible to run production processes in parallel, instead of sequentially, which increases the output quantity and availability of the process chain and lowers downtime.
The M LINE Factory LPS, which stands for Laser Processing System, increases the laser ‘on’ time by separating the pre/post processing unit from the individual work process, while at the same time maintaining an integrated machine design. Instead of forming a single continuous unit, the LPS is made up of an independent powder module, build module, and overflow module, which are of a uniform size and can each be activated individually now for the first time. An easy to use internal transport system is used to automatically transport the modules, and to maximize the efficiency of the system’s footprint, the modules can be stacked up in a series alignment as well.
Additional features of the M LINE Factory LPS include:
Improved laser productivity potential due to increased overlap within the build field
Frontload transport system of automated internal transport system
A flexible configuration makes it possible for the build and process time to dictate the LPS to the ratio of the M LINE Factory MHS, or Material Handling Station. This processing unit, which comes with an integrated sieving station, is for powder management and pre/post processing, and automates both the upstream and downstream stages of the production process.
Additionally, the MHS uses automation, digitization, and interlinking to provide interfaces to more conventional manufacturing methods. The MHS has high safety standards, including an automated module lidding system that contains full powder and inert gas, water-flood passivation of filters, contactless powder handling, and no manual handling in the process chamber.
To learn more about the innovative M LINE Factory, which will ship to customers in Q2 of 2019, visit GE Additive at formnext this week in booth D30, Hall 3.
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As formnext kicks off in Frankfurt, Germany, several companies are already making big announcements. HP is no exception, blazing into formnext with a series of updates regarding its Jet Fusion 3D printing technology.
“HP is accelerating the shift to 3D mass production, enabling an exciting array of applications helping customers improve their businesses as we enter the 4thIndustrial Revolution. Many industries such as automotive, which is going through its biggest transformation in more than 100 years, are looking to new technologies and strategic partners like HP to help them better compete in this time of change,” said Christoph Schell, President of 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing, HP Inc. “We are working with innovators across the globe to change the way they design and manufacture with HP Multi Jet Fusion and our new Metal Jet platform, unlocking new applications, more manufacturing flexibility, and greater innovation, efficiency and sustainability across their product development lifecycle.”
Part of HP’s news involves the continuing worldwide expansion of its technology with the addition of some new customers. RecTech 3D is based in China and will be using Multi Jet Fusion technology as it expands into a full-fledged industrial Additive Manufacturing Center in Chongqing. Working with HP, the company plans to offer application and design expertise as well as training to customers and partners. In early 2019, RecTech 3D will begin installing 10 HP Jet Fusion 3D 4210 printers in its Additive Manufacturing Center, with plans to grow to 30 machines by the end of the year.
“As a premier partner of HP in China, RecTech 3D is looking to help lead industrial innovators and designers to take advantage of digital production and manufacturing, and we believe HP Multi Jet Fusion technology offers the capabilities required to deliver on that promise,” said Jay Luo, CEO, RecTech 3D. “In addition to offering the production of parts using HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, we will provide our customers with educational resources and end-to-end solutions based on HP’s industry-leading 3D printing products and expertise that enable the entire process from design to production. Using HP Multi Jet Fusion technology we plan to transform manufacturing.”
Meanwhile, US-based Forecast 3D is growing steadily with the installation of 24 HP Jet Fusion 3D 4210 in its digital factory. In addition, GE Transportation will use HP’s Jet Fusion solutions in its John F. Welch Technology Center in Bangalore, India to produce industrial parts for applications in mining vehicles and locomotives.
“Our business continues to reap the rewards of leaning in early and going big with HP Multi Jet Fusion technology,” said Corey Weber, CEO, Forecast 3D. “Our 3D Manufacturing Center is now powered by 24 HP Jet Fusion 3D 4210 printers. We are serving more customers than ever, running 24×7, and on pace to surpass millions of Multi Jet Fusion parts produced this year.”
In the automotive industry, BMW Group is using HP Jet Fusion 3D 4200 printers to manufacture the window guide rail for the BMW i8 Roadster, while Volkswagen Group is using HP systems for both metal and plastic. By the end of the year, 100 percent of the tools used to manufacture the new T-Cross SUV will be 3D printed using Multi Jet Fusion technology. In addition, Volkswagen will begin to use HP’s Metal Jet 3D printing technology starting with mass-customizable parts such as key rings and name plates.
“Using our automotive standards and HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology our manufacturing team is able to produce durable, reliable final parts such as the window guide rail for our BMW i8 Roadster,” said Dr. Dominik Rietzel, Head of Non-Metal Additive Manufacturing at the BMW Group. “In the past decade, we are proud to have produced more than one million 3D printed parts, and it’s fitting that one of these window guide rails was identified as the one-millionth part printed. Complex parts that require reliable functionality and a small footprint are a perfect example of the power of additive manufacturing and together with partners such as HP we are excited about the possibilities ahead.”
HP recently introduced the new PA-11 material, which has seen a great deal of use already. Its properties include strength, ductility, impact resistance and enhanced elongation break. Bowman International used the material to produce a rollertrain cage, while orthotic company OT4 used it to create a sleep helmet. Other parts produced with PA-11 include shoe heels by New Rock and personalized phone cases by Freshfiber.
HP’s Jet Fusion 3D 300/500 series is a lower-cost version of its MJF technology, and early customers include A-Dec, a dental equipment manufacturer using the technology to produce fixtures, jigs and low-volume service parts; Rady Children’s Hospital, which is using it to create casts, corrective devices, and anatomical models; and the University of Louisville, which is using the technology in numerous applications across several departments.
HP is now offering new online resources for partners and customers who are looking to accelerate their adoption of 3D printing for mass production. These include the i-AMdigital Talent Platform, a digital career growth platform for additive manufacturing, and 3D ExchangeNet, a marketplace dedicated to helping 3D printing businesses identify growth capital, investment or buyout opportunities.
Formnext wraps up today, and it’s been a packed four days, with lots of new 3D printers and announcements of collaborations and partnerships that intend to advance additive manufacturing technology. Among the new 3D printers are two from Sisma, an Italian company that has been building laser systems and machinery since 1961. The Everes Zero and Everes Uno are DLP 3D printers designed to cater to several markets, including dental, medical and industrial production.
The Everes Zero and Everes Uno come with user-friendly “Click and Make” software for a 3D printing process that is easy, streamlined and highly automated. Ease of use is one of Sisma’s prime goals for these two new 3D printers, and its many automated features minimize the necessity of manual intervention while maintaining a focus on high quality prints.
Sisma offers several resins that are compatible with both new 3D printers. Resin One is designed for exceptional surface quality, while Spritz ABS offers high precision well-suited for industrial applications in particular. Dental Model is formulated for high resolution, precision, and smooth surface finish for dental molding, and Green Cast is an extremely high-precision resin aimed at jewelry 3D printing. Grey Master is an especially hard resin designed for prototyping and functional parts.
