3D printers for new applications
Prints fiber-reinforced functional components
At Formnext 2019, Arburg will be presenting interesting technological advances in its freeformer for industrial additive manufacturing. The Freeformer 300-4X with a four-axis component carrier including rotation axis will enable new applications in Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) in the future. The new machine can feed continuous fibers and coat them with plastic, for example to locally reinforce functional components.
"At Formnext 2019, we will be showcasing a Freeformer 300-4X, which has an additional fourth rotational axis and a fiber feed unit, as a technological highlight. This means that long-fiber-reinforced components can now also be produced using the AKF process," says Martin Neff, Head of the Arburg Plastic Freeforming department at Arburg.
The Freeformer 300-4X was developed on the basis of the Freeformer 300-3X and also has three discharge units. The new centerpiece is a four-axis component carrier. It not only moves in the x, y and z directions, but can also perform rotational movements thanks to the additional c-axis. This allows fiber-reinforced, resilient functional components to be constructed. Continuous fibers made of glass or carbon are fed in via a roller and placed specifically on the component carrier. They are immediately embedded with plastic and cut to the desired length.
Additive manufacturing even in the cleanroom
The Freeformers cover a broad spectrum for industrial additive manufacturing. The Freeformer 300-3X can process three components into complex functional parts in a resilient hard/soft connection with a support structure. The Freeformer is cleanroom-compatible and particularly suitable for applications in medical technology. If required, it can also be automated and integrated into complete production lines via optional interfaces.
All freeformers use the AKF process based on qualified standard granulates. With the open system, users can process their own original materials and optimize the droplet size and process control themselves. Or they can access the Arburg material database with reference materials. These include, for example, very soft TPU, PLLA and FDA-certified materials for medical technology.
Formnext: Hall 12.1, Stand D121
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