3D Systems Advances Production Applications

3D Systems announces a host of innovations. The company is introducing high-throughput 3D printing technologies, a new partnership to provide post-processing, improved additive manufacturing software and a new production-grade photopolymer. 

SLS Solution Delivers Repeatable Parts

The company introduces its next-generation selective laser sintering (SLS) workflow that combines 3D Systems’ new SLS 380, 3D Sprint, DuraForm materials and AMT’s PostPro enabling cost-effective batch production parts with throughput, consistency, performance and yield.

The SLS 380 delivers repeatability, improved throughput and reduced operating costs for digital manufacturing. The SLS printer uses a custom algorithm that manages eight separately calibrated heaters, together with an integrated high-resolution IR camera that captures over 100,000 thermal data samples per second to manage, monitor and control thermal uniformity within the build chamber. 

As part of this new platform, 3D Systems is also introducing a Material Quality Control (MQC) system, the MQC 600. The MQC ensures an optimal ratio of fresh to recycled material and the MQC 600 is optimized to deliver material to up to four printers simultaneously. The company is planning general availability of the SLS 380 for the first quarter of 2022.

To complete the workflow, 3D Systems will resell AMT’s line of products to provide a fully automated post-processing workflow. AMT’s PostPro industrial-scale SLS post-processing system includes fully automated de-powdering and chemical vapor smoothing solutions that optimize part quality and mechanical performance. PostPro enables batch cleaning and smoothing of parts.

Enhanced DMP Configuration 

The DMP Factory 350 Dual features integrated powder management and a two-laser configuration to increase productivity and lower operational costs, the company says. Image courtesy of 3D Systems.

3D Systems is announcing the DMP Flex 350 Dual and DMP Factory 350 Dual that include two lasers that help reduce build time. These latest additions to the company’s DMP portfolio maintain single-laser configurations including flexible application use and quick-swap build modules (DMP Flex 350 Dual); integrated powder recycling (DMP Factory 350 Dual); and a central server to manage print jobs, materials, settings and maintenance. Additionally, the company’s vacuum chamber reduces argon gas consumption while delivering oxygen purity (<30 ppm). The DMP Flex 350 Dual and DMP Factory 350 Dual can help accelerate innovation for applications including medical devices, aerospace, turbomachinery, semiconductors, and automotive & motorsports. The general availability of these printers is anticipated for the first quarter of 2022.

DMP Flex 200 Enhances Dental Applications

The DMP Flex 200 is designed for additive manufacturing of small, complex, fine detail metal parts making it ideal for dental applications including next-day removable partial dentures (RPDs), crowns, bridges and implant bars, the company says. The DMP Flex 200 features a 500W laser source and a larger build volume (140x140x115 mm or 5.51x5.51x4.53 in) with a build plate clamping mechanism that eliminates the need for screw management inside the process chamber. 3D Systems plans to make the DMP Flex 200 available in the first quarter of 2022. 

3DXpert 17 Accelerates Production 

Through the acquisition of Oqton, announced in September, 3D Systems will make its entire AM suite of software platforms available to the additive manufacturing industry. 3DXpert is an integrated tool to prepare and optimize parts quickly, enabling rapid design for additive manufacturing (DfAM). Features available in the new version accelerate part design with higher yield and faster print times. General availability of 3DXpert 17 is planned for the fourth quarter of 2021.

Figure 4 Rigid 140C Black Opens Automotive Applications

3D Systems announces Figure 4 Rigid 140C Black, a two-part epoxy/acrylate hybrid material, designed to deliver production-grade parts with mechanical stability in various environments. This material, made with filler, provides toughness comparable to injection molded polybutylene glass fiber (PBT GF). Figure 4 Rigid 140C Black has a 124°C @1.82MPa HDT, which makes it useful for under-the-hood and internal cabin automotive applications including end-use clips, covers, connectors, housings and fasteners, electrical latching and board connectors. Under-the-hood components produced with Figure 4 Rigid 140C Black demonstrated reliability when subjected to high temperature operating life (HTOL) testing. 

Figure 4 Rigid 140C Black was tested to the equivalent of 8 years indoor and one and a half years in outdoor environments per ASTM D4329 and ASTM G194 methods. Manufacturers will benefit from the required three-hour thermal post-cure at 135°C without the need to pack the parts in salt, as is required for other similar materials available on competitive systems. 

“We’re excited to be able to meet with our industry colleagues, collaborators, and customers here at Formnext and introduce new product enhancements in our additive manufacturing portfolio,” says Dr. David Leigh, chief technology officer for additive manufacturing, 3D Systems. 

3D Systems was to showcase these new technologies and solutions in its booth (Hall 12.1 D101) at Formnext 2021. For more information, please visit the company’s website.