At Formnext 2023, I used to be given a tour of the 3D Methods sales space by Marty Johnson, Vice President, Product and Technical Fellow at 3D Methods. The tour highlighted the corporate’s newest improvements, together with a brand new platform previewed on the occasion.
Johnson showcased the EXT 1070 Titan Pellet, noting its distinctive function as a pellet extruder able to dealing with business pellets like PC ABS, common glass fill, carbon polycarbonate, and others. This know-how permits for clean finishes on plastic components, useful for creating massive parts like automotive jigs and fixtures with correct knowledge. Johnson emphasised the velocity and precision of this technique, which can also be helpful for vacuum-forming tooling.
A major level of dialogue was the affordability and effectivity of those new applied sciences in remodeling transportation. Johnson illustrated this by referencing an element produced from glass-filled polycarbonate pellets, emphasizing the usage of high-performance plastics. One other instance was a radar mounting mast produced from carbon cell ABS, which was gel-coated post-production for a clean end. This half, notable for its light-weight and aesthetic high quality, represented the developments in 3D printing know-how for low-volume manufacturing, providing an alternative choice to extra conventional strategies like steel machining.
Johnson identified that utilizing these new applied sciences might considerably cut back each time and expense in manufacturing processes, particularly for low-volume, high-precision objects, marking a shift in manufacturing methodologies in the direction of extra environment friendly and adaptable options.
Our subsequent cease took in a few of 3D Methods’ newest developments in 3D printing know-how for the medical subject.
Johnson launched the EXT 220 MED, beforehand often known as the Kumovis R1, a medical printer notable for its cleanroom-rated inside. He highlighted its important position in making a cranial implant, emphasizing the printer’s functionality to 3D print PEEK, which is essential for such medical functions. This know-how represents a major leap in medical 3D printing, providing new prospects in patient-specific therapies.
Discussing the Delta setup of the printer, Johnson defined its benefits when it comes to freedom of motion and accuracy, that are important for producing advanced medical components like spinal cages. The Delta setup additionally offers flexibility as a consequence of fewer electronics on the print head, which is helpful in a high-temperature atmosphere contained in the printer.
New PSLA 270 combines SLA and Determine 4 Applied sciences
Johnson then previewed the PSLA 270, a brand new mannequin combining options from SLA and Determine 4 applied sciences. This printer boasts a dual-projector system, a VAT on the backside, and enhancements in velocity, accuracy, and repeatability. Johnson talked about the profitable use of their Determine 4 PRO-BLK 10 materials, noting its rigidity, fast print speeds, and affect resistance. He in contrast its properties to PMMA acrylic plastic, highlighting its suitability for varied functions.
A key focus of the dialogue was the long-term stability of those supplies. Johnson careworn that their supplies are formulated for longevity, with minimal to low modifications in elongation at break examined out to eight years indoors, and in addition examined to 1.5 to 2 years outside. This stability is important in selecting supplies for industrial and medical functions, because it ensures the sturdiness and reliability of the printed components.
Johnson revealed that the brand new PSLA 270 printer mannequin, previewed on the occasion, is predicted to be commercially obtainable mid-next yr. He emphasised the significance of fine-tuning the product for a profitable launch, noting the printer’s distinctive capabilities.
Product traces are nonetheless being finalized when requested in regards to the number of supplies for the brand new printer, notably the NextDent materials portfolio. He expressed confidence within the Determine 4 materials portfolio, citing its variety, together with supplies for medical sterilization and high-durability functions like Determine 4 FLEX-BLK 20.
Highlighting 3D Methods’ in depth expertise in software program growth and projector-based printing since 2007, which has enabled them to refine pixel manipulation and edge decision. This experience, mixed with their long-standing course of information, specialised {hardware}, and complete buyer assist, units them aside within the trade. He talked about the corporate’s Utility Innovation Group (AIG), which focuses on fixing advanced issues, underscoring their means to ship velocity, accuracy, repeatability, and ease of their SLA techniques.
The competitors is now not rival 3D printing corporations, says Johnson, however 3D Methods is focusing as a substitute on competing with conventional manufacturing processes like injection molding and machining. He emphasised the objective of capturing high-value functions by leveraging their know-how’s means to supply advanced geometries and supplies, a strategic shift from competing solely throughout the 3D printing trade to difficult typical manufacturing strategies. This method displays 3D Methods’ broader imaginative and prescient to remodel manufacturing processes throughout varied industries.
3D printing: a aggressive benefit
Discussing medical functions, notably in surgical planning, Johnson showcased the SLA 750 Twin, a sophisticated 3D printer upgraded from a single laser to a twin laser system a yr in the past. He careworn the significance of this machine, saying, “After I speak about SLA, we’ve been doing it for the reason that very starting,” highlighting 3D Methods’ experience in supplies and machine management.
One of many key supplies mentioned was the Accura AMX Powerful FR-V0 Black, a flame-retardant materials boasting distinctive toughness, a rarity in flame-retardant supplies. This materials and 3D Dash, 3D Methods superior software program, permits for enhanced velocity, accuracy, and repeatability.
Johnson additionally talked about the usage of these applied sciences in high-pressure environments comparable to Formulation 1, highlighting the relevance of their printing capabilities in producing high-performance components shortly. He supplied an instance of how the twin laser system considerably reduces printing time. As an example, an element that may take 32 hours on a comparative system (Professional X 800) might be printed in simply 25 hours with their single laser system and even quicker with the twin system.
These developments mark a notable shift within the effectivity and practicality of 3D printing know-how for varied high-demand functions.
Superior Steel AM and Accessible SLS for smaller manufacturing environments
I additionally noticed 3D Methods’ superior steel 3D printing applied sciences and accessible SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) techniques.
The DMP Flex 350 Triple is a steel printer with distinctive options, together with an auto-latching door and enhanced warmth and fuel stream stability for optimum productiveness. He defined, “The system goes to 350 by 350 by 350 mm. You’re in a position to reap the benefits of these three lasers.” The DMP Flex 350 Triple’s design permits for environment friendly use of fabric, essential given the excessive value of steel supplies, and goals to attain first print success with a concentrate on longevity and reusability.
Johnson additionally talked about the market’s rising curiosity in smaller-scale SLS know-how, represented on the 3D Methods’ sales space by the SLS 300 and the accompanying ecosystem of Environment Generator, Water Jet Cupboard, and the forthcoming Powder Recycling Station (PRS).
Johnson famous the system’s enchantment to newcomers and bigger corporations trying to scale their printing capabilities. He stated, “It’s a manner to assist scale their print lab inside their firm.” Discussing the printer’s accessibility, Johnson highlighted its enchantment to consultants and non-expert customers, saying, “It’s not solely accessible to extra individuals, nevertheless it’s accessible to non-expert customers to have the ability to run of their middle.” The system’s compactness and built-in parts, together with the aforementioned nitrogen generator and Powder Recycling Station, make it an environment friendly resolution for maximizing lab house. The system is designed for ease of use and effectivity, with software program that optimizes print jobs throughout the machine’s capabilities.
The dialog at Formnext 2023 showcased 3D Methods’ dedication to advancing 3D printing know-how, making it extra accessible and environment friendly for a wider vary of customers and functions. Johnson’s insights spotlight the corporate’s concentrate on innovation, user-friendliness, and market enlargement within the 3D printing trade.
Learn all of the 3D Printing Trade protection from Formnext 2023.
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Featured picture exhibits 3D Methods DMP Flex 350 Triple Steel 3D Printer. Photograph by Michael Petch.
