Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), a UK-based manufacturer of Industry 4.0 hardware solutions, has announced the commercial launch of its post-processing additive manufacturing system, the PostPro3D.
Cutting the hassle out of post processing
3D printed parts often need sanding or chemical treatments to achieve a smooth and desirable finish; however such processes are typically costly, labor intensive, and time consuming. Last year, AMT and its consortium, received a £624,000 grant from the government-run Innovate UK to develop a new automated post-processing method for 3D printed parts.
With help from inkjet printhead supplier Xaar and 18 months of development, AMT created the PostPro3D system to finish 3D printed elastomeric and nylon parts. This system uses Boundary Layer Automated Smoothing Technology (BLAST), a physio-chemical process, to level internal cavities of thermoplastic polymers with no degradation of a parts’ mechanical properties.
The PostPro3D system
A PostPro3D unit maintains a build volume of 600 x 400 x 400 mm. It is capable of processing 3D printed parts created using Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Laser Sintered (LS), High Speed Sintered (HSS) and FDM technology.
Delivering to Europe, the USA and China, the system is available for preorder from a price of €75,000. The first commercial units are expected for shipment at the beginning of Q4 2018.
Tried and tested
HP and sports brand Under Armour, are among the first customer to have tested the PostPro3D. Materials included in the test include Nylon 12, which demonstrates high tensile strength and hardness for use within 3D printed midsoles as well as medical devices. This polymer-based material recorded total process times between 90-120 minutes.
Furthermore, earlier this year AMT announced a collaboration with Farsoon Technologies. This partnership seeks to leverage the PostPro3D patented technology within Farsoon’s existing 3D printers as well as its forthcoming automated, Continuous Additive Manufacturing Solution (CAMS).
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Featured image shows the PostPro3D system. Image via AMT.
