German large-scale 3D printer manufacturer BigRep, has today launched two 3D printers, the PRO and EDGE, powered by new proprietary Metering Extruder Technology (MXT).
“This new technology delivers the type of innovation that the industry has been awaiting, as our groundbreaking MXT system makes our new printers five times faster – with greater precision and quality – than current extrusion speeds,” said Stephan Beyer, CEO of BigRep.
“This is one giant leap for additive manufacturing, allowing BigRep customers to make full use of today’s most advanced large-scale 3D printing technology.”
Metering Extruder Technology
Following several hints of new Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) systems that “will set a new standard for the industry,” BigRep has revealed its MXT embedded 3D printers developed in collaboration with international engineering firm Bosch Rexroth.
MXT is capable of distinguishing filament feeding, melting and molten extrusion processes. This allows for full control over the amount and speed of material extruded, and will leverage new materials created as a result of the BASF and BigRep partnership confirmed earlier this year.
“Thanks to professional control systems technology, 3D printing is establishing itself as an industrial manufacturing application,” explained Thomas Fechner, Director of the Business Unit New Business at Bosch Rexroth.
“In terms of hardware, the CNC control system by Bosch Rexroth is delivering the necessary performance, precision and durability. In our development partnership with BigRep, we are advancing the potential of 3D printing for its use in the environment of the Factory of the Future.”
The two new systems have also integrated a motion CNC control system, and IoT connectivity.
BigRep PRO
The BigRep PRO maintains a build envelope of one cubic meter and a large, temperature-controlled spool chamber for continuous printing with high-performance materials. The 3D printer also includes an insulated, enclosed metal frame which ensures an optimal temperature control. A heated print bed is mounted with polyimide foil for enhanced adhesion during the printing process, and an integrated inductive sensor is present for semi-automatic leveling.
The PRO utilizes two MXT modular extrusion heads, with printing speeds of >600 millimeters per second (mm/s). According to BigRep, the PRO’s finest nozzle (0.6 mm) makes the printer five times faster than other FFF printers on the market.
BigRep EDGE
The BigRep EDGE features a print bed measuring 1500 x 800 x 600 mm. This printer is specifically designed to process high-end, high-performance materials for end-use parts, functional prototypes, and composite tooling. Its heated build chamber provides a controlled, high-temperature environment of up to 200°C in the chamber and 220°C in the print bed.
In addition, the EDGE features automatic, upward-moving doors and an easy-to-use graphical interface for optimal control over all print settings. With two MXT modular extrusion heads, the EDGE is said to surpass print speeds of 1,000 mm/s with the finest 0.6 mm nozzle in place.
The BigRep PRO and BigRep EDGE will be on display throughout the week at Formnext in Frankfurt, where 3D Printing Industry is reporting live. Find BigRep in hall 3.1, booth E20.
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Featured image shows the BigRep PRO 3D printer. Photo via BigRep.
