Nanoscribe, a specialist in microprinting technology, has announced the launch of its new Quantum X shape 3D printer.
Based on the company’s 2019-released Quantum X, the new Quantum X shape operates on the same Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP) technology and offers improved 3D microfabrication capabilities. Marketed as an ‘ultra-precise 3D printer’, the system is designed for both rapid prototyping and wafer-scale series production.
Primarily aimed at research labs and industrial equipment manufacturers, the Quantum X shape has applications in life sciences, microfluidics, materials engineering, micromechanics, micro-optics, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Nanoscribe states that the enhanced precision and productivity of its latest system makes it especially well-suited to printing components on wafers up to six inches in size.
“With the Quantum X shape, Nanoscribe is setting new standards in wafer-scale high-precision microfabrication for scientific and industrial purposes,” said Dr. Michael Thiel, CSO and co-founder of Nanoscribe. “While the Quantum X is already driving the ultra-fast fabrication of flat micro-optics, we expect the Quantum X shape to make high-precision 3D printing based on Two-Photon Polymerization an unrivaled efficient and reliable tool for rapid prototyping and batch production in research labs and industry.”
Down to the nanoscale with Nanoscribe
Founded in 2007 as a spin-off of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Nanoscribe develops and manufactures 2PP-based 3D printers, a form micro-stereolithography for small part production. In June 2021, the firm was acquired by bioprinting company BICO Group (formerly CELLINK) in a deal worth €50 million in cash, shares, and earn-outs.
With over 3,000 users at universities, research institutions, and industrial firms around the world, Nanoscribe has made a name for itself in the microprinting space. Alongside the new Quantum X shape, the company also offers the Photonic Professional GT2 and the original Quantum X.
To enable applications in microfluidics and micro-optics, Nanoscribe also has its own range of specialist resins on offer. These include the IP Photoresin series for photopolymer parts and the GP-Silica material for silica glass microstructures.
“The launch of the Quantum X shape demonstrates the innovative potential of high-precision 3D printing for many application areas, especially for demanding life science applications,” said Erik Gatenholm, CEO and co-founder of BICO. “Nanoscribe is setting new standards in 3D Microfabrication to discover tomorrow’s technologies, and I couldn’t be prouder to have them as a part of our team at BICO.”
The Quantum X shape
With a build area of 50 x 50mm, the Quantum X shape is capable of everything from meso- to nano-scale 3D printing, although it’s been optimized to fabricate 2.5D and 3D shapes with submicrometer precisions. It allows for feature size control down to 100nm and surface roughness control down to 5nm.
The machine features a new galvo and smart electronic control system, along with a pulsed femtosecond laser. With advanced laser focus trajectory control, the Quantum X shape is able to accelerate and decelerate the galvo mirrors to optimum scan speeds while dynamically adjusting the power of the laser at a rate of 1 MHz. The company has chosen to implement a granite-based build platform.
On the software side, Nanoscribe has also developed nanoConnectX, a remote access tool for use with the Quantum X shape. nanoConnectX transfers all of the printer’s functions and touchscreen display options to the user’s computer, enabling remote print management and real-time monitoring from anywhere with an internet connection.
Technical specifications and pricing
Below are the technical specifications for the Quantum X shape 3D printer. Visit the Nanoscribe website to receive a quote.
| Build area | 50 x 50mm |
| Technology | 2PP/2GL |
| Surface roughness | Down to 5nm |
| Minimum feature size | Down to 100nm |
| Shape accuracy | Down to 200nm |
| Autofocus precision | Down to 30nm |
| Substrates | Microscope slides, wafers, glass, silicon |
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Featured image shows the Nanoscribe Quantum X shape 3D printer. Photo via Nanoscribe.
