Impossible Objects RAPID2017
Illinois-based additive manufacturing company, Impossible Objects has launched Model One, its pilot 3D printing machine live from the RAPID+TCT show floor.
The Model One is designed to 3D print functional parts, at scale, with a wide selection of materials. Impossible Objects hope the printer will help to revolutionise high-volume manufacturing.
Harnessing the company’s composite-based additive manufacturing (CBAM) technology, Impossible Objects’ flagship machine enables users to use a range of composite materials to build lightweighted parts with maximum strength. These materials might include carbon fibre, Kevlar and fibreglass together with PEEK, and other high performance polymers.
Through the CBAM process, Impossible Objects claim Model One can create parts up to ten times stronger than current printers on the market. The printers compatibility with a large amount of materials enables the building of functional parts with high performance polymers, such as PEEK or carbon fibre. And because of the composite make-up, users have the ability to customise part applications, to have heat or chemical-resistance, stiffness or flexibility, and other attributes. Impossible Objects also believe the Model One to boast faster build speeds than other additive manufacturing technologies, and allows users to make the same part for the prototype and mass production.
Impossible Objects
Impossible Objects PEEK object
A functional part printed in PEEK material with the Model One printer.
Today also sees the launch of the Impossible Objects pilot program, and the company says they have already been contacted by companies who want to leverage their CBAM technology and install a Model One 3D printer. One of the pilot program members, Jabil, a Fortune 500 customer, has already identified which applications the Model One could enhance.
“We’ve seen tremendous interest from a range of companies who want the advantages of 3D printing for their high-volume manufacturing and for materials they cannot get elsewhere,” said Robert Swartz, chairman and founder of Impossible Objects. “Until now, there was no way to print functional parts with the mechanical and material properties at the scale these companies need. The Model One is just the beginning of what CBAM can do. Our CBAM technology has the potential to transform manufacturing as we know it.”
Jabil’s senior director of AM Ecosystem Development and Strategy, Greg Ojeda added: “Based on its combination of speed, strength and material sets, we believe Impossible Objects’ CBAM could become an enabling technology for high-volume manufacturing. We’ve identified applications where Impossible Objects could deliver a competitive advantage and significant cost savings over conventional manufacturing processes. We are excited to take part in Impossible Objects’ pilot program and look forward to working with the Impossible Objects’ team.”
The CBAM process uses conventional thermal inkjet heads to print designs on sheets of composites. Each sheet is then flooded with a polymer powder, such as nylon or PEEK causing the powder to stick where inkjet fluid has been deposited on the sheets. Excess powder is vacuumed off and the sheets are stacked, compressed and heated. The polymer powder melts and bonds the sheets together. The uncoated fibers are then mechanically or chemically removed, and what remains is an exceptionally durable, lightweight object that was previously impossible to make so quickly and inexpensively.
The Model One will be made available to the public by early 2018.
