Yesterday we honed in on the new metal 3D printing technologies making their debut at Formnext. Now, it's the turn of the polymer contingent as a number of additive manufacturing companies are planning on bringing their latest hardware updates to the Frankfurt event. The range is broad, from desktop machines to factory-focused post-processing systems, so to give you a little guidance on what you can expect to see, here are just some of the new technologies you should make some time for next week.
GEWO Feinmechanik GmbH (12.1, B20)
GEWO Feinmechanik GmbH and its 3D printing division GEWO 3D will be showing its new AM machine (and the latest TCT Germany Magazine cover star) the GEWO Performer 260. The company, which specialises in complex workpieces for the semiconductor industry, aerospace, medicine and research, says the new extrusion-based printer is an open material and software platform with features including automated print head switching, 46 sensors to monitor the print job and laments, and a control system by BOSCH REXROTH. According to the manufacturer, the biggest advantages of the system are faster print speeds, high reproducibility, higher print temperatures with shorter preheating timeframes, a large build chamber and compatibility with a wide range of materials.
3DGence (12.1, E41)
Polish 3D printer manufacturer 3DGence will introduce the new INDUSTRY F420 polymer extrusion-based printer designed for the manufacture of end-use parts, functional prototypes, jigs & fixtures at high speed. With prices starting at around 49,000 EUR, the machine features a high-temp chamber for a stable print environment at up to 180°C and quick-change printing modules for compatibility with a wide range of materials such as ULTEM and PEEK. The INDUSTRY F420 boasts a sizeable build volume of 380 x 380 x 420 mm and a dual extrusion system for support material with purging device. For added safety, the machine also features an air filtration system.
BCN3D (12.1, E41)
Barcelona-based 3D printer manufacturer BCN3D has unveiled the BCN3D Epsilon, claiming to bring “industrial power to your workbench”. The Epsilon builds on the company’s Sigma and Sigmax printers with Independent Dual-Extruders (IDEX) technology compatible with fibre-reinforced materials and a fully enclosed heated build chamber. The goal is to enable the manufacture of functional parts, prototypes and tools with maximum performance and efficiency. With a price tag of 6,995 EUR, further features include a build volume of 420 x 300 x 400 mm, 5” touch screen, cloud connectivity for remote printing, compatibility with a large range of hotends and materials, industrial grade HEPA and carbon filters, and an emergency stop function.
DyeMansion (11.1, D61)
German post-processing solutions specialist DyeMansion promises a "brand new innovation" at Formnext. It’s called Powerfuse S and is the system behind the company’s proprietary VaporFuse Surfacing process, a clean Vapor technology for 3D printed plastics that aims to rival injection moulded parts. The solvent circulates in a closed, endless cycle, produces no waste and works sustainably. Recovery of the solvent, which is approved for the processing of plastics intended to come in contact with food according to EC 10/2011, is also integrated. VaporFuse Surfacing offers a second finishing option besides the company's well-established, mechanical PolyShot Surfacing.
Additive Manufacturing Technologies (12.1, E61)
Fellow AM post-processing company Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) is gearing up for Formnext with a novel, reusable booth concept made up of more than 6,000 3D printed parts. The 84 square metre booth has been designed in collaboration with Steel Roots Design. The design incorporates a total of 6,061 complex components printed by Materialise in Nylon PA 2200 using EOS selective laser sintering and finished with AMT’s PostPro3D platform. The parts, which feature internal threads and moving features, are connected by 1,100 metres of lightweight aluminium tubing to form a structure weighing only 120 kg. In terms of hardware, the booth will also host a number of new technologies including AMT’s fully automated Digital Manufacturing System (DMS).
XponentialWorks (11.0, Stand B21)
Operating under the XponentialWorks network, NXT Factory plans to demonstrate its newly commercialised QLS350 3D production platform with continuous live printing. With the QLS350 system now available, NXT Factory's Quantum Laser Sintering technology aims to address the move from prototyping to low and medium volume production and can already support PA12 and PA6-6 powders. Also part of the XponentialWorks exhibit, Nexa3D is to announce a nearly 25% increase in the size of its NXE400 printer build volume, from 16 to 19 litres, and the introduction of five new materials.
Formnext takes place in Frankfurt on 19-22 November. Register for your showfloor ticket here and visit the TCT @ Formnext Conference website to register for your conference pass.
