Forward of Formnext 2024, developments from each Headmade Supplies and DyeMansion, two corporations backed by AM Ventures, have highlighted the rising maturity of post-processing in 3D printing. These developments showcase a concerted effort inside the additive manufacturing (AM) ecosystem to bridge technological gaps and speed up the adoption of AM for industrial-scale manufacturing, simply as 3D printing itself positive factors new capabilities.
Paving the Approach for Low-cost Steel 3D Printed Elements
Final 12 months, Headmade Supplies partnered with AM Options and Neue Materialien Bayreuth within the AutoSmooth undertaking to advance ColdMetalFusion (CMF) know-how. CMF combines polymer powder mattress fusion (PBF) with steel manufacturing, offering a brand new, extra inexpensive strategy to steel 3D printing. Nevertheless, post-processing has been a key hurdle in making CMF scalable for mass manufacturing.
Now, the AutoSmooth undertaking has begun producing outcomes. AM Options, a Rösler firm that makes a speciality of floor ending and post-processing applied sciences, has utilized its 2-in-1 shot blasting know-how, which mixes depowdering and smoothing in a single step, to Headmade’s CMF method.
Take a look at specimens with extra AutoSmooth processing: publish processed inexperienced half (left), sintered half (center), mass-finished sintered half with the identical processing time as above (proper).
The ensuing floor end on inexperienced components is usually of excessive sufficient high quality to get rid of the necessity for additional remedy after sintering. This technique additionally incorporates powder restoration, enabling the reuse of unused powder and decreasing materials waste and prices. Moreover, a specialised half clamping system ensures the cautious dealing with of delicate inexperienced components throughout processing, minimizing harm and enhancing course of reliability. With this new know-how, the AutoSmooth undertaking is shifting CMF know-how nearer to industrial-scale adoption, with a industrial launch anticipated by 2025.
“If we now present the ‘lacking hyperlink’ in publish processing with our new growth, CMF know-how will take an enormous leap ahead,” mentioned Dr. Until Merkel, Division Supervisor Know-how at Rösler. “For the trade, this paves the best way for cost-efficient, automated processes that may absolutely unlock the potential of additive mass manufacturing for steel components and considerably cut back unit prices.”
Visible illustration of typical staircase results within the typical course of chain above (inexperienced half on the left, mass-finished sintered half on the correct), removing of staircase results already within the inexperienced half (beneath).
DyeMansion and ASM: Revolutionizing Entry-Stage Vapor Smoothing
DyeMansion has shaped a strategic partnership with ASM GmbH to convey ASM’s VX1 vapor smoothing system to a world viewers. DyeMansion, already a frontrunner in polymer post-processing, will act because the go-to-market companion for ASM’s entry-level vapor smoothing know-how. The VX1 system is designed for small and medium-sized companies, providing an inexpensive, compact resolution for attaining high-quality floor finishes on components constituted of supplies like PA11 and PA12.
The ASM VX1. Picture courtesy of ASM.
This collaboration addresses a major hole within the post-processing market, enabling corporations to entry professional-grade vapor smoothing with out the excessive prices sometimes related to industrial methods. In Europe, DyeMansion companions Bechtle Additive Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH and SGSolution AG already provide the VX1 system, with extra companions anticipated to hitch within the coming weeks. The system’s launch within the U.S. is scheduled for subsequent 12 months.
Martin Affolter, Managing Director of SGSolution AG mentioned, “As a vendor for HP MJF printers and DyeMansion post-processing options, we have now lengthy been on the lookout for a user-friendly entry-level resolution for ending elements utilizing chemical smoothing. The ASM VX1 impresses with its first-class smoothing outcomes, compact design and environmentally pleasant solvents. Coupled with the quite simple operation of the VX1 and the cartridge system, which provides most flexibility, the system meets all our necessities and is subsequently the right resolution for getting began with chemical smoothing.”
DyeMansion and ASM are additionally specializing in eliminating PFAS-based solvents from post-processing for AM, making the VX1 system a probably environmentally accountable alternative for 3D printing service suppliers.
“The EU, the US and different industrialized nations are taking steps to additional regulate the usage of PFAS chemical substances as a result of their potential to hurt the setting and human well being. Industrial corporations in numerous sectors are working to get rid of PFAS from their purposes. Sadly, vapor smoothing remains to be usually primarily based on the usage of PFAS solvents. Contemplating the potential dangers to individuals and the setting within the space of EHS, we imagine this isn’t sustainable. This has to vary,” mentioned Felix Ewald, CEO & Co-Founding father of DyeMansion.
Each Headmade Supplies and DyeMansion’s current improvements replicate AM Ventures’ technique of fostering a related ecosystem inside the 3D printing trade. AM Ventures’ experience extends past monetary backing by providing its portfolio corporations entry to a world community of trade specialists and collaborators. This strategy helps corporations like Headmade Supplies and DyeMansion combine their options throughout the broader AM panorama, addressing challenges like post-processing and scalability.
By strategic investments in supplies, {hardware}, and post-processing applied sciences, AM Ventures is working to speed up the industrialization of 3D printing. By supporting each steel and polymer post-processing options, AM Ventures goals to fill important gaps within the AM workflow, enabling broader adoption of 3D printing for industrial purposes.
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