BigRep Launches ALTRA 280 Industrial 3D Printer

BigRep, a company focused on large-scale fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, has expanded into high-temperature additive manufacturing with the launch of the ALTRA 280. The latest industrial offering from BigRep features a fully enclosed high-temperature printing environment, an open material system compatible with BigRep and third-party filaments, and a massive build volume. The ALTRA 280 can be a solution for industries requiring high-performance materials, including aerospace, military and defense, and automotive. 
 
The ALTRA 280 will debut in North America at the RAPID+TCT show in Los Angeles, CA, on June 25, 2024, and will be available across the region starting July 2024.   

The new ALTRA 280 updates the company’s portfolio to include high-temperature FFF 3D printing, expanding into new applications that can print the full range of standard to high-performance polymers. The highlights of the ALTRA 280 are the heated 500x700x800 mm build chamber capable of reaching temperatures as high as 180°C, up to four DSX extruders for uninterrupted production, and the automated quick-start feature for 3D printing at the touch of a button.

"We are proud to extend our portfolio towards high-performance filament extrusion with our open system approach, thereby aiming to double the addressable market of our solutions with the technology from HAGE3D, our recently announced planned acquisition," says Dr.-Ing. Sven Thate, managing director of BigRep GmbH. "For our American customers, the ALTRA 280 is considered a game-changing industrial AM solution across all temperature levels, unlocking wide thermoplastic material options.”  
 
Key features of the ALTRA 280 include:

• Large-scale 3D printing: A build volume of 500x700x800 mm (volume of 280 liters) designed to produce intricate fully-fledged prototypes, production-, and end-use parts.  
• High-temperature capabilities: Prints with high-performance materials such as PEI 9085 and PC, enabling the production of strong, lightweight parts. 
• Uninterrupted Productivity: Equipped with up to four DSX extruders, the ALTRA 280 features dual extruders and two backup extruders.
• Fully Automated Quick Start: The ALTRA 280 is designed for easy operation, with fully automated calibration and pre-heating processes.
• Heated Vacuum Print Bed: Engineered for secure adhesion of the part and layer adhesion, even for large intricate prints.

“We believe that the ALTRA 280 will transform the way manufacturers approach additive manufacturing, especially in the aerospace, military, and automotive segments, where high-performance parts are crucial," says Thomas Janics, managing director of HAGE3D GmbH. 
 
Visit BigRep at Booth 839 at RAPID+TCT 2024.

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