3D Systems has announced plans for several additive manufacturing (AM) product launches at this year’s Formnext.
The 3D printing company says it will introduce new hardware and materials aimed at ‘variety of application needs’ across both metals and polymers.
The first is Accura AMX High Temp 300C, an unfilled stereolithography resin with a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 300°C, which 3D Systems says is nearly double that of currently available unfilled materials. This material, due to be released in Q4 2023 and not requiring a thermal cure, will reduce production time and allow for high-temperature component tests and general-use parts.
Formnext will also mark the official launch of the SLS 300, formerly the Wematter Gravity, following 3D Systems’ acquisition of Swedish SLS 3D printing firm Wematter earlier this year. The SLS 300, marketed as an accessible SLS system for smaller workplaces, is described as being a closed-loop, with a streamlined ecosystem, including patented powder delivery systems, and the new automated Powder Recycling System that will also be launching at Formnext. This system recycles and mixes unused materials. The SLS 300 can be ordered now. Meanwhile, the PRS will be available in the first half 2024.
3D Systems’ DMP Flex 350 Triple will be the latest configuration in metals. This three-laser system adopts 3D Systems’ vacuum chamber design and extends its Removable Print Module (RPM) concept by supporting two swappable RPM modules with different build volumes of 350mm x 350mm x 350mm, and 275mm x 275mm x 420mm. The DMP Flex 350 Triple-laser is claimed to have optimal multi-laser loading and seamless scan strategies. It can process eight different materials, such as aluminium alloys.
C-103 is a new Niobium-alloy material that can be used for rocket, jet, hypersonic and other propulsion applications. C-103 is resistant to decomposition by heat, pressure, or chemical attack and has a high service temperature between 1200°C and 1400°C, and excellent resistance to high-frequency vibrations. 3D Systems’ DMP vacuum technology is uniquely suited for processing C-103 by ensuring a very low-oxygen environment which helps preserve the material’s properties since the material properties are very sensitive to O2 exposure. 3D Systems, through its Professional Services provided by Application Innovation Group, is currently offering services to develop applications for C-103 and GRX-810 alloys, which were recently validated by NASA.
3D Systems also announced that it would be showcasing a new polymer 3D-printing platform based on projectors, the PSLA 270. This 3D printer was designed to produce large end-use components for industrial and health care applications.
Marty Johnson, vice president, product & technical fellow, 3D Systems, said: “The latest additions we’re introducing at Formnext are expanding the capabilities of our plastic and metal solution portfolios to enable manufacturers to produce high-quality parts more efficiently. It’s been a pleasure to watch our AIG specialists working closely with aerospace and defense customers on some of the most demanding applications in materials that are difficult for extreme environments. I’m also energised by the potential of the new projector-based platform we intend to launch in the coming year. I think the combination of this technology, our high-performance materials portfolio from Figure 4, and 3D Sprint can increase the role of additive manufacturing in the production and manufacture of large parts. It will also help leading manufacturers transform their work processes for a competitive advantage.
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