Born out of a simple question - why isn’t there an affordable metal 3D printer? – fresh German start-up One Click Metal is about to launch its first product onto the market.
The new metal 3D printer, which will be an attractive solution for newcomers to the industry due to its user-friendly features and smart solutions, will be presented for the first time at this year's Formnext.
The independent start-up is a spin-off of the German machine manufacturer TRUMPF. It was founded in April 2019 in an effort to develop an affordable metal 3D printer aimed at SMEs, the education sector, R&D and newcomers to the industry.
The founders: Stefan Weber (CTO), Michael Volk (Lead Prod. Dev. Eng.), Björn Ullmann (CEO)
New studies show that the high cost of materials and systems are the two biggest barriers in the adoption of 3D printing. In addition, there is a major demand from companies for 3D printing in metal. One Click Metal aims to address those challenges and lower the barrier.
By the positioning itself in the lower-cost segment (<100,000 USD), companies which have previously been unable to invest in metal 3D printing technology due to high costs, now have a much more accessible entry point into the market.
Smart solutions such as a powder cartridge system and unpacking station will be particularly beneficial for educational institutions. Due to the closed powder handling, the user does not come into direct contact with the metal powder, which means no trained personnel are required to operate the system. This allows students, pupils or trainees to learn close to the product. At the same time, faster and more efficient R&D processes are made possible, further enhanced by a user-friendly system and open data format.
The machine’s Laser Powder Bed Fusion process has two major advantages for the user: the high dimensional accuracy of components and the retention of the material properties. Printed components are characterised by a complex and function-optimised geometry, as well as good material properties, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Preview parts showing the possibilities of design freedom
The new metal 3D printer from One Click Metal will be presented for the first time at Formnext in Frankfurt from 19 to 22 November 2019. If the system delivers on its promises, it could signal a turning point for many companies across several industries in the implementation and active use of metal 3D printing technology.
Visit One Click Metal at Formnext on booth 11.0, E71.
