In today’s 3D printing briefs, we’re starting with three new great 3D printers, before moving on to new materials. Finally, we will finish with serial 3D printing of manhole covers. Read on for all the details!

Prusa Research presents a large format XL printer

Czech company Prusa Research launched the Prusa Mini in 2019, which is smaller than its popular Prusa Mk3s, and has now unveiled the full-size Prusa XL, which is the company’s largest 3D printer to date. With a build volume of 14.17 x 14.17 x 14.17 “, the new Prusa XL is twice the size of the Mk3s and differs from the company’s smaller systems in that it is based on the CoreXY system, where a gantry moves the print head on the X and Y axes and the build plate moves down on the Z axis; this provides more stability when making tall prints. XL also has a modular heating system, which keeps everything even and reduces warping by heating small cells on the print bed only when needed – often a major problem with large format printers.

The Prusa XL includes a new extrusion system, called Nextruder, which the company says will provide automated bed leveling without a live Z adjustment, thanks to a 20: 1 gear ratio that precisely feeds the filament through. a thermal block. In addition, the printer has an optional upgrade that allows up to five independent tool heads not only for different colors of filaments, but also for different types of materials and printing temperatures. The new Prusa XL is available for pre-order for a refundable deposit of $ 199, and shipping is expected to begin in the second or third quarter of 2022.

Anisoprint presents the largest industrial 3D printer

Anisoprint PROM IS 500

Luxembourg-based Anisoprint also unveiled its largest industrial 3D printer to date: the PROM IS 500, with a build volume of 600 x 420 x 300mm and featuring adjustable build volumes and flexible fiber paths to enable l ‘use of both continuous fiber reinforced composites and high temperature polymers. The printer meets industry standards for tolerance, safety and reliability using the Bosch Rexroth MTX CNC system and comes with an ecosystem of software including Aura and Composer. The new PROM IS 500 has a tool changer for up to four print heads with CCF and FFF extruders, and its database will be continually updated with new materials and verified profiles.

The printer will launch with ten beta users and testing is expected to take around six months. PROM IS 500 beta testers will need to work closely with Anisoprint engineers, so a location in Europe is preferred, and they should come up with a valid industrial use case that can be shared publicly. Additionally, potential beta testers should offer diversity in their business (small, medium, and large), applications, industries, and markets. Any feedback provided will enable Anisoprint to troubleshoot possible issues, build in the functionality needed for a functioning machine, and improve reliability. Visit the Anisoprint website if you are interested.

Tritone expanding Moldjet line with DIM Metal 3D printer

Israel-based Tritone Technologies is expanding its product line with the new mid-range Tritone DIM metal printer, which is powered by the company’s patent-pending Moldjet technology. In this process, a mold is produced as a negative of the component, using inkjet type printheads, from a wax type polymer. The printed layer is filled in a slot die process with water-based metal powder paste, and this process builds the part layer by layer, allowing undercuts and internal channels without support, before the surrounding mold is removed, leaving the green 3D part for heat treatment and sintering. The new DIM system has a build volume of 220 x 120 x 90 mm on four trays and is intended for use by R&D and education departments, manufacturers of consumer goods and consumer electronics, and service offices to create end-use metal parts.

“Our proprietary technology is a game-changer in the AM industry. Tritone’s solution can facilitate any shape, design and complexity for rapid industrial production to market, ”said Omer Sagi, vice president of product and business development at Tritone. “Following the initial success of our Dominant system, we are proud to extend our market reach with the DIM system. The market is ready to move from prototyping to producing high quality metal parts, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this emerging revolution.

EOS & Metalpine develop sustainable metal powder solutions

From left to right: Dr Martin Dopler and Gerald Pöllman, Metalpine; Sascha Rudolph, EOS; Andreas Rohrseitz, htm Groupe Invest

After 3D printers, EOS acquired a minority stake in the Austrian company Metalpine, a subsidiary of the htm invest group, and the two plan to jointly develop sustainable metal powders for industrial 3D printing. Both companies are highly motivated to make 3D printing powders more durable and provide more AM application possibilities to their customers. Metalpine’s atomization technology has been specially designed for industrial 3D printing, and together with EOS’s process, material and system development expertise, both companies are expected to be able to produce new types. of durable powder with maximum efficiency in both material production and 3D printing. process, without wasting resources.

“The technology and the Metalpine team thrilled us from the first moment. We can now offer our customers even more powerful and sustainable solutions in the interaction between our industrial 3D printing process and the production of metallic powder used for this purpose, ”said Sascha Rudolph, senior vice president of EOS Metal Materials. at EOS.

“The Metalpine process allows a whole new dimension of flexibility and is systematically oriented towards the field of application of 3D printing. The systems are particularly compact, can be installed quickly for new materials and are so low in emissions that they can also be used in metropolitan areas without hesitation. We see a lot of potential for common development and look forward to working with a highly motivated and professional team.

4D Biomaterials and Fast Shape Evaluating Bioresorbable Materials

University of Birmingham spin-out 4D Biomaterials developed its 4Degra material to help improve patient recovery and care after major medical procedures, and partnered with Rapid Shape to assess and print, using the Rapid Shape tank polymerization technology, the first prototype of a medical device based on its new bioabsorbable, resin-based inks. 4Degra resin-based inks, based on the chemistry of polycarbonate urethane, can be printed using DLP technology to fabricate detailed medical devices that can be implanted into the human body and support its natural healing processes, before breaking down into harmless byproducts that the body absorbs and then eliminates through its normal metabolic processes. The chemistry of these devices can be refined so that they have a range of mechanical properties, and with Rapid Shape’s force feedback technology, they can be printed at high speed. The two companies are announcing encouraging results so far.

“Rapid Shape’s machines are a perfect match for our 4Degra resin-based inks and we look forward to working with them and with medical device suppliers to usher in a new era of innovation in absorbable 3D printed medical devices,” said said Philip Smith, CEO of 4D Biomaterials. .

Pipelife 3D Printing of Custom Manhole Lids

Finally, a company called Pipelife is said to be the first to use automated 3D printing and software to make custom manhole covers and inspection chamber flow profiles, and after more than a year of work, will deploy the technology to its entire group, improving the accuracy and efficiency of polypropylene flow profiles and providing better product quality, safety and availability. The company’s Dutch factory 3D printer has additional automated functions, allowing flow profiles to be produced sequentially without any human interference, and due to its increased production speed, Pipelife can deliver more customer orders. , which can be adapted to the specifications of the project. By using connected software, Pipelife can drastically reduce the risk of blockages and storm water or stagnant sewage with optimized hydraulics, and in the case of non-standard connections that are required for inspection chambers and manholes. , using automated 3D printing rather than manual production helps keep things secure. also for workers.

“In general, non-standard connections would have to be manually cut, which carries the risk of accidents. However, with automated 3D printing technology, we reduce or even eliminate injuries, ”said Ton Schoenmaker, international project manager in the R&D department of Pipelife.