All additive manufacturing (AM) events have this trait, but it’s particularly noticeable with formnext. Covering every piece of news that emerges from the event in a detailed article is simply impossible. As a result, in this week’s 3D Printing News Briefs, we’re shining a spotlight on the stories formnext 2023 that we didn’t get to.
AM Solutions
EOS and Rösler’s 3D printing subsidiary, AM Solutions, are working together to enhance the AM workflow for mass production. The focus is on automating and making the process more cost-effective, from the printing stage to the finished product. Their alliance takes advantage of each organization’s strengths in quality standards, customer-focused solutions, and a common vision for cost-effective 3D printing.
AM Solutions also announced a new partnership with Shapeways. The 3D printing service will participate in AM Solutions’ Beta Partner Program for the innovative C2 Liquid Color Smoothing Technology. This development comes after Shapeway’s earlier investment in AM Solutions’ S1 and S2 technologies. AM Solutions’ C2 technology revolutionises the finishing of 3D printed pieces by combining smoothing and coloring into a single step, thereby simplifying post-processing, reducing capital expenditure, and bringing down per-part expense. Additionally, this immersion smoothing technology reduces processing time whilst being more eco-friendly.
Having achieved the IATF 16949 standard for the automotive sector, FKM Additive Manufacturing purchased an S2 system from AM Solutions to automate its post-processing for 3D printing. FKM will also be using the new C2 system in 2024. If you’ve been following Formnext news, you may have caught that FKM was the first voxeljet customer to acquire a high speed sintering company from the firm.
Equispheres
Canada-based Equispheres and Aconity3D announced a groundbreaking achievement in speed for 3D printing aluminum with laser PBF. Specifically, the pair were able to achieve build rates approximately nine times faster than the standard in the industry, reaching over 430 cm3/hr with a single laser system. This leap in productivity is attributed to the combined effect of Aconity3D’s advanced printing equipment with beam shaping capabilities and the superior quality of Equispheres’ aluminum powder, NExP-1. If this combined effort is applied to multi-laser machines, one can only imagine how much more productive they can get.
An Aconity3D part made with Equispheres powder.
Materialise
As discussed in another article, multiple updates have been applied to Materialise’s CO-AM platform, reinforcing its significance in the AM industry. Importantly, HP’s Multi Jet Fusion and Metal Jet technologies have been incorporated into the CO-AM platform, allowing users to enhance their workflows and operate multiple printers using the tools provided in the package.
In related news, Nikon SLM Solutions has announced a rebrand following Nikon acquisition at Formnext. They have disclosed plans to collaborate with Materialise to create a new batch of Build Processors for Nikon’s metal 3D printers, integrating smoothly into the Materialise CO-AM platform. The forthcoming Build Processors are expected to address the issue of protracted data processing times caused by the large build scopes of the NXG devices and their twelve 1kW lasers, which can result in workflow disruptions.
Farsoon
3D Infinity announced at Formnext 2023 that they have placed an order for Farsoon’s high-performance Farsoon Flight SS403P Dual-laser 3D Printing system to escalate their series production capabilities. The Flight SS403P-2 machine, armed with dual 300-Watt lasers, will allow 3D Infinity to amplify its production output by twofold within a single day’s time, focusing mainly on bulk series production with materials such as premium PA11 and fortified materials for functional end-use applications. It was also announced that Farsoon is the supplier.
TIGER Coatings in partnership with Farsoon broke the news about a joint venture for a ceramic thermoset-based material ideal for laser PBF, broadening their catalogue and providing groundbreaking solutions for the ceramic AM industry. This innovative material, conceived within the CerAM SLS research endeavor, is fit for a range of applications including water sanitization and catalysis. It offers predictable contraction and the ability to print at cooler temperatures. With the introduction of this material, it creates a valuable alternative for manufacturing high-quality ceramic components on PBF systems. This marks progression in Farsoon’s open-platform approach and TIGER Coatings’ expansion into ceramic PBF solutions.
Stratasys
Alongside the launch of a new fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer at Formnext, Stratasys expanded their materials portfolio with the introduction of four new P3 materials and the development of additional authenticated materials for the F900. The materials, anticipated to hit the market by late 2023 or early 2024, include Somos WeatherX 100 designed for durable outdoor applications, Somos PerFORM HW ideal for high rigidity needs like injection molds, P3 Deflect 190 ESD for electrostatic dissipative components, and P3 Stretch 80 perfect for flexible prototypes such as seals and gaskets. Stratasys also added automatic support generation to its GrabCAD Print software, which simplifies workflows for Origin One printer users.
A P3 part made with Somos WeatherX. Image courtesy of Stratasys.
Stratasys is also expanding the F900 platform with Kimya PC-FR, a flame-resistant polycarbonate material, and FDM HIPS, a high-impact polystyrene-based material for less demanding applications, as well as introducing new colors for ULTEM, PC, and PC-ABS to increase customer flexibility and reduce post-processing costs. Alongside this, OpenAM software with an open material license is now available for the F900, allowing for printing with open materials.
AON3D
Montreal-based AON3D introduced Hylo, a high-temperature ‘smart’ 3D printer, and Basis, an advanced additive manufacturing software suite. Hylo stands out with its ability to print challenging materials such as carbon fiber composites and high-performance polymers like PEEK and ULTEM, which are notorious for their high strength and resistance yet difficult to print due to high temperature requirements. The printer features a large build area, remarkable print speeds, and intelligent process control powered by machine learning, which adjusts in real time for consistent quality. Basis complements Hylo by providing process simulation, thermal optimization, and part qualification tools that tackle the historical difficulties of printing high-performance polymers. It addresses defects and part performance variability by introducing material-specific thermal awareness into the slicing process.
ValCUN
Upon revealing its commercial system and first customer, startup ValCUN announced that it had been awarded a €2.5 million grant by the European Innovation Council (EIC), with the possibility of up to €5 million more in equity funding. The grant will support the development of ValCUN’s Molten Metal Deposition (MMD) technology, which promises substantial cost reductions and increased sustainability over conventional metal AM technologies by using off-the-shelf metal wire, reducing energy consumption, and eliminating toxic chemicals and powders.
3D Systems
Axtra3D partnered with Oqton and 3D Systems to release a groundbreaking dental solution set to transform the dental lab manufacturing standards. The solution is built around the Lumia X1 printer and features superb surface quality, outstanding performance, and exceptional productivity. Also, it includes cutting-edge service options like quick onsite service and predictive maintenance. This collaboration combines Axtra3D’s Hybrid PhotoSynthesis and TruLayer technologies, Oqton’s automation software powered by AI, and 3D Systems’ top-tier NextDent materials. Together, they provide a powerful combination that is poised to improve the efficiency and quality of dental lab processes.
Anycubic
Anycubic revealed the first-ever “14K resolution printer,” the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro, as part of their renowned Photon series. This printer is equipped with a 10.1-inch monochrome LCD offering 14K resolution which boosts the precision and detail of prints. In terms of printing speed, it outperforms the standard by threefold, hitting 150mm/s with high-speed resin. Moreover, it encompasses multiple advanced functionalities including a smart detection system that helps avoid potential damage and ensure successful prints, temperature control for the resin, and air purification to minimize odors.
An important point worth mentioning is that often when a DLP company claims resolution over 4K, the enhancement in detail is usually owing to software techniques that may not be as effective as native 4K resolution. Genuine 4K resolution provides a level of precision, consistency, and detail that is vital for high-quality 3D printing applications, particularly in cases where accurate fine features are crucial. Though virtual 4K can serve as a cost-conscious substitute, it may not match the standards of actual 4K, especially in professional or industrial settings where the minute details are fundamentally important.
Sintavia
Sintavia announced its intent to be the first North American customer for the M 8K 3D printer from AMCM GmbH, one of the largest PBF 3D printers ever made. The printer boasts a build volume of 820mm x 820mm x 1600mm and is equipped with eight advanced nLIGHT lasers. The introduction of the M 8K to Sintavia’s operations, expected in early 2025, is poised to significantly enhance productivity and expand design possibilities, especially for large-scale components.
Raise3D
Raise3D is broadening its horizons with the introduction of the DF2 Solution at Formnext, marking the company’s foray into vat photopolymerization. This new solution leverages digital light printing (DLP) technology and is optimized for engineering prototypes, manufacturing aids, and low-volume production. The DF2 Solution is being complemented by products like the DF Wash and DF Cure, and a range of specially developed resins for various applications. Raise3D is also collaborating with partners like Henkel and BASF Forward AM to explore the future possibilities of resin 3D printing.
Nexa3D
Nexa3D unveiled its own UV curing system, designed for the desktop. According to the company, the xCURE Desktop is capable of cutting post-processing times by up to 80%. Along with the desktop curing station, Nexa3D launched three new industrial resins targeted at the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and dental sectors, expanding the potential for various applications. xPRO9400-FR, made with BASF ForwardAM, is a flame-retardant solution with high heat resistance, while PRO9499 White by Henkel provides a bright white finish ideal for detailed modeling. The Saremco Print CROWNTEC resin is meant for dental restorations, featuring a range of shades for aesthetic compatibility.
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
0 Comments