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3D Printing News Briefs: November 13, 2018

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.

Discuss these stories and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below.

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XYZprinting Showcases da Vinci Color mini 3D Printer, Announces UK Launch of da Vinci Color AiO, at IFA 2018

[Image: XYZprinting via Twitter]

One of the oldest industrial exhibitions in Germany opened its doors to the public in Berlin on Friday as IFA 2018 began. Many additive manufacturing companies choose to showcase their latest products at this annual show – last year, for instance, Taiwan-based desktop 3D printer manufacturer XYZprinting introduced its da Vinci Color 3D printer.

[Image: Sarah Goehrke]

At this year’s show, the company will be introducing the consumer-oriented da Vinci Color mini, in addition to exhibiting its award-winning da Vinci Color AiO, which was officially introduced at CES 2018. But on the first day of IFA 2018, the company also announced the official UK launch of the AiO, which it calls the first voice-controlled, full-color FFF 3D printer in the world with an inbuilt engraver and 3D scanner.

“This latest innovation is a significant step forward for 3D printing, particularly for desktop users. Being able to control your printer with something as intuitive as simply speaking will open up 3D printing to a wider range of people,” said XYZprinting CEO Simon Shen.

“The AiO is aimed at those that have not used 3D printing a lot previously or not used it at all. Being able to tell the printer what you want it to do will make it simple to navigate, as well as letting you search from the XYZ 3D gallery. This means that if you would like to find a 3D model of a vase, you would just say ‘search for a vase for me’ and the 3D gallery would bring up all vases on the gallery to choose from.

“The added features of the printer, the scanner and the engraver, make the AiO the most complete desktop 3D printing unit ever developed, giving entrepreneurs and designers the chance to bring their ideas to life.”

The AiO, which stands for All in One, has certainly grown since its first iteration two years ago as the da Vinci 1.0 Pro 3-in-1. The handy desktop 3D printer, scanner, and engraver will give designers, educators, engineers, and entrepreneurs alike the ability to use intuitive voice commands to easily control the system. In addition to 3D scanning objects, users can 3D print full-color objects through the use of simple voice activation, and can later engrave those same prints as well.

[Image: Sarah Goehrke]

Actually, this last may not be true – the da Vinci 1.0 Pro 3-in-1 was only able to engrave objects made out of cardboard, leather, and wood, which the da Vinci Color AiO can’t actually 3D print. But, the old version had the laser engraver as an optional module, while the updated 3D printer features an inbuilt engraver, so maybe things have changed?

Regardless, the da Vinci Color AiO makes it easy for users to replicate and personalize designs with the built-in 3D scanner and engraver. It also features full-color 3D printing – the company’s 3D Color Jet technology mixes and sprays CYMK color droplets onto white PLA filament deposit layer by layer, “achieving full-colour spectrum accuracy and precision,” according to XYZprinting.

The desktop 3D printer also features a new EZ-removable print bed, with a 20 x 20 x 15 cm build volume that helps prints adhere to the bed while still being easy to remove from it. The print bed is also auto-leveling, so you never have to worry about the accuracy of your prints.

The coolest thing about the da Vinci Color AiO, at least in my opinion, is its voice control. My husband and I just purchased an Amazon Fire Stick, and I’m still tickled at my newfound ability to hold down the microphone button and say things like, “Alexa, go to Netflix” and “Alexa, add cereal to the grocery list.” Imagine how much cooler this feature is with a 3D printer: the da Vinci Color AiO allows users to calibrate the 3D printer, prep their print jobs, pause 3D printing, conduct maintenance on the system, and receive status updates on their prints, all with just their voice. This makes me feel like we’re one step closer to asking the computers on our spaceships to locate Commander Data…

XYZprinting is exhibiting at IFA 2018 through Wednesday, September 5th, in Hall 12, Stand 107 of the Berlin Exhibition Grounds at Messe Berlin. At the event, the company will be launching the da Vinci Color mini, a compact version of its original full-color 3D printer that’s designed for use at home and in schools and offices. The accessible mini 3D printer features an intuitive user experience, thanks to its 5″ color LCD display screen, and will retail for the recommended price of £1,599 beginning in December.

The da Vinci Color AiO will be available for purchase starting in September, for the recommended price of £2,699, through the company’s network of partner resellers.

Discuss this story and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below.