New Products Push the Limits Of 3D Printing
As additive manufacturing develops the capability to produce larger and larger parts, it’s important not to forget that the opposite is also true. Microscale additive printing, also known by micro 3D printing can produce complex parts that are extremely detailed and small in size. This sector of 3D printing has been around for many years. However, it is still growing as more intricate microscale parts are made for applications such as medicine and consumer products.
Since their inception, companies such as Nanoscribe, Nano Dimension and others have been continually improving their micro 3D-printing technology. Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), one of the most prominent microscale additive manufacturing companies, recently unveiled its microArch S350. This is the latest addition to their line of industrial-grade microprecision 3-D printers.
The microArch S350 utilizes BMF’s patented Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL) technology, which cures layers of photopolymer resin using a flash of UV light. The new printer can produce parts with resolutions of 25 µm with the highest throughput in the company’s current portfolio.
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Image courtesy Boston Micro Fabrication
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| The microArch S350 from Boston Micro Fabrication has the highest throughput in the company’s portfolio. |
“BMF has become the industry leader for printing small and micro-sized parts requiring high resolution, accuracy, and precision in the 2- and 10-µm resolution spaces. Now, we’re bringing that experience to an even wider range of end-use applications at the 25-µm level,” said John Kawola, CEO of BMF. “While this printer is geared more toward industrial customers that need faster throughput, greater volume, and more automation, the result is still best-in-class part quality compared to other DLP platforms, and we cannot wait to see what our customers accomplish with it.”
BMF also announced the launch two new 3D-printing resins, BMF MED powered 3D Systems and Loctite 3D 3D 3555.
In other news from advanced additive manufacturing, Chromatic 3D Materials, a Minneapolis-based 3D-printing company, announced the launch ChromaScan. This software allows 3D printing to be done on non-planar surfaces. Users can print durable, flexible material directly onto any substrate with ChromaScan. This includes metal, plastic, and textiles. According to the company, ChromaScan’s technology eliminates the need for post-processing and assembly with adhesives and stitching.
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Image courtesy Chromatic 3D Material
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| ChromaScan software removes some post-processing work for 3D-printed components. |
“Hyperbolic print paths are challenging for existing technologies. ChromaScan is able to adapt a flat printing path for printing on 3D surfaces. This opens up a world of design possibilities, as well as more streamlined, cost-effective, and sustainable manufacturing for our customers,” said CEO Dr. Cora Leibig.
ChromaScan scans an object and then manipulates the print path to create a conforming object to its surface. It is suitable for automotive, apparel, and footwear applications, as well other industrial and consumer applications.
It is complicated to print 3D objects, as demonstrated by developments like the ChromaScan or the microArch S350. 3D printing will continue to evolve as new technologies emerge.
