BMF Unveils microArch, an Accurate, Precise High-Resolution 3D Printer 

Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), a pioneer in microscale 3D printing systems, announces the global launch of microArch, a high-resolution microscale 3D printing solution for commercial use.  microArch introduces technological breakthroughs that allow the technology to print ultra high-resolution parts with accuracy and precision at scale. The microArch was successfully launched over the past 18 months in Asia and over 40 systems have been installed for multiple customers across a range of industries.

“When it comes to additive manufacturing the next frontier of innovation isn't big, it’s high precision, small parts,” says John Kawola, CEO at BMF. “We’re seeing a convergence of major trends as the lines between additive manufacturing and miniaturization begin to dissolve. There’s no question that additive manufacturing starts to lose its appeal as parts get smaller. Challenges with precision and accuracy have stymied innovation for engineers and manufacturers looking to develop small, high-resolution parts. That’s all about to change with the introduction of microArch.”

Image courtesy of BMF.

microArch uses a proprietary approach to 3D printing named PμSL (Projection Micro-Stereolithography) that leverages light and enables the technology to produce high-resolution prints, the company says. The microArch can deliver accurate and precise prints at a scale more than 100 times smaller than a human hair and supports a variety of different materials like tough resin, elastic resin, casting resin, high temperature resin and more. This material versatility offers engineers and designers the flexibility to experiment with rapid prototyping, while also enabling economical mass production.

The new solution has been field tested and is available immediately for purchase. Out of the box, the technology can:

• print down to a resolution of 2µ;
• print with a tolerance of ±10µm /±25µm; and 
• print volumes that are cost competitive with injection molding at volume.

“As devices and parts get smaller, the need for accuracy and precision grows even more important and, until now, more difficult to achieve,” adds Kawola. “Prior to microArch, there were a number of economical and technological limitations that made it near impossible for manufacturers to capitalize on the benefits of 3D printing for small parts. We’re eliminating those limitations with a new approach that we expect to have a big impact.”  

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