AON3D Unveils Hylo 3D Printer and Basis Software

AON3D, a North American manufacturer of industrial 3D printers and software, debuts the company’s latest system, Hylo, a new "smart" high-temperature 3D printer, and Basis, an additive manufacturing software equipped with process simulation, machine learning-driven thermal optimization, and part qualification tools.

The two solutions simplify and expedite the process of printing open-market materials, carbon fiber composites, and high-performance polymers: materials with strength, continuous use temperatures up to 260°C, extreme chemical resistance.

Hylo prints PEEK, ULTEM

With an 25.6x17.7x17.7-in. build area and a 250°C chamber, Hylo has print speeds of up to 500 mm/s and IDEX-enabled duplication/support modes. This smart 3D printer features advanced process control and monitoring, accompanied by thermal optimization software. Equipped with over 25 integrated sensors, Hylo manufactures accurate and strong parts in open-market materials by monitoring, controlling and compensating for process variability, the company reports.

AON3D’s Basis allows manufacturers to identify and prevent defects such as cracking, over/under extrusion and more. Image courtesy of AON3D.

Current material extrusion printers rely on workaround solutions, like reducing variability by locking down materials and process settings or using “one size fits all” process parameters e.g., print speeds and thermals. When combined with a printed part’s unique features, these limitations lead to visible/hidden defects, print failures, variable part performance, and the perception that high-performance polymers are hard to print. AON3D’s Hylo and Basis solve these limits by leveraging process simulation and automation to integrate material awareness into the slicing process, the company reports.

Basis—Optimize Part Properties

Basis is the foundation of the AON3D’s new product ecosystem. Smart hardware is combined with intelligent slicing and in-process monitoring—turning process variability into part confidence, the company reports. While complete details are not yet released, AON3D Basis adds material-specific thermal awareness to the slicing process, dynamically tuning process parameters to optimize properties such as layer weld strength, dimensional accuracy, surface finish and more.

AON3D Basis users can quickly verify printed part quality by viewing Hylo’s process monitoring data in three dimensions. While many high-temperature 3D printer manufacturers offer rudimentary thermal maps, AON3D’s quality control tool also captures warping/cracking, over/under extrusion, filament diameter variances, hidden defects, dross/debris inclusion, and more.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.