Barcelona-based BCN3D, most well-known for its skilled materials extrusion methods, has not too long ago introduced the creation of a brand new entity, Supernova. The enterprise is the results of a carve-out from BCN3D’s viscous lithography manufacturing (VLM) enterprise unit, devoted to the agency’s novel digital gentle processing (DLP) approach, unveiled in 2022.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, and Barcelona, Spain, Supernova emerges not as a subsidiary however as a very autonomous entity, distinct from BCN3D. This separation is a strategic resolution permitting each corporations to pursue their distinctive visions and goals throughout the additive manufacturing (AM) business.
How VLM Works
Within the VLM course of, a curler first applies resin onto a clear movie, which is then transferred to the print space. The construct plate strikes as much as meet this layer of resin, setting the layer thickness. UV gentle then selectively cures the resin within the specified areas, forming the brand new layer of the print. After curing, the construct plate lowers, peeling off the solidified layer and permitting any extra resin to be collected and reused.
VLM stands out from conventional DLP, stereolithography (SLA), and masked SLA strategies as it will possibly make the most of resins as much as 100 occasions extra viscous, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties and efficiency. The supplies and UV gentle in VLM guarantee a whole chemical crosslink between layers, leading to constant properties in all instructions, even with layer thicknesses as much as 200μm. The system’s high-precision gentle engine and superior algorithms obtain an XY decision of 23μm, contributing to a clean floor end.
VLM employs picture flashing for layer creation, utilizing a strong gentle supply to treatment total layers concurrently, making print time fixed whatever the variety of components printed. This know-how operates at room temperature, bypassing the constraints and materials waste related to managing high-viscosity resins at elevated temperatures.
Established Prospects and Companions
Considerably, Supernova is kicking off operations with robust market traction, having garnered curiosity from over 500 corporations by way of its Expertise Adoption Program. This early success is additional bolstered by strategic partnerships with main business gamers corresponding to Puma, Saint Gobain, Orbea, Hutchison, and Prodrive. These collaborations underscore the business’s recognition of Supernova’s potential to impression numerous sectors, together with automotive, aerospace, shopper items, and healthcare.
Maybe most attention-grabbing is the vertical on Supernova’s web site merely listed as “Batteries.” Given the specificity of this class, we’d anticipate that the agency already has analysis underway for 3D printing batteries. We all know that there are different AM corporations trying to enhance lithium-ion battery efficiency, together with Photocentric, which has its personal model of DLP know-how. It is going to be attention-grabbing to see what Supernova is finally capable of show on this sector.
On the helm of Supernova is CEO Roger Antunez, previously the Common Supervisor of BCN3D. He’s joined by co-founder Marta Mico, beforehand the VLM Head of Enterprise Improvement at BCN3D, and Eric Pallares, the previous CTO of BCN3D, who will function a Distinguished Technologist.
Supernova’s speedy focus is on materials improvement concentrating on industrial purposes and the industrialization of its product ecosystem. The corporate plans to put in its first beta methods in 2024. In the meantime, BCN3D, underneath CEO Xavi M. Faneca, will proceed to focus on its core enterprise of extrusion-based applied sciences, aiming to broaden its management within the impartial extrusion phase and develop its industrial choices. This strategic divergence permits each BCN3D and Supernova to dedicate their sources and experience to their respective areas.
General, BCN3D has maintained a gentle fame for its extrusion methods, however the present market could also be troublesome to navigate whereas focusing sources appropriately. By separating its VLM enterprise, it might be simpler to divvy up the funds whereas addressing completely different market segments.
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