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Polish-Swiss 3D printing company Prolay has launched its new industrial 3D printer, dubbed PROLAY 7Q, at Formnext 2023.
Operating on Progressive Layer Thickness Manufacturing (PLTM) technology, a variant of the commonly used FDM/FFF method, the PROLAY 7Q aims to bring advancements to 3D printing. Distinguished by its progressive layer thickness, the system ensures the retention of high-resolution surface finishes while preserving both efficiency and durability. The PROLAY 7Q can accelerate the production of components, ranging from 1.5 to 5 times faster compared to conventional additive manufacturing methods, contingent upon the specific geometry of the part.
Advanced multi-material 3D printing with Prolay 7Q
Working under BIBUS MENOS, deeply involved in 3D printing in Poland since 2005, Prolay leverages its affiliation as part of the BIBUS AG holding. This strategic alliance, spanning over thirty European and Asian countries, enables Prolay to tap into the extensive experience and multicultural proficiency of the BIBUS Group.
The PROLAY 7Q boasts a substantial build area of 725 x 450 x 500 mm, enabling simultaneous production of large or multiple smaller components. With a maximum chamber temperature of 190°C, it effectively handles high-temperature plastics. Equipped with four printing heads and an extruder reaching 400°C, the 3D printer ensures compatibility with various commercial substances. Flexibility is enhanced with layer height options from 0.12 to 0.92 mm, allowing users to balance speed and finish quality. The PROLAY 7Q accommodates a range of materials, spanning ABS, ABS-CF, PC, PC-CF, and PC-ABS.
The PROLAY 7Q stands out for its ability to mix three different materials in a single process, creating composite configurations and enabling the production of thin layers of fiber-reinforced materials. For instance, it can print a PC shape at a 0.1 layer thickness and then incorporate carbon fiber filament. The development of the PROLAY 7Q and PLTM technology began in 2017 as part of the project “Development of a Faster 3D Printing Method.” Supported by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under the Intelligent Development Program 2014–2020, the project underscores collaborative efforts to advance additive manufacturing technology.
Technical specifications of PROLAY 7Q 3D printer
Customers can request a quote from Prolay to know more about PROLAY 7Q and its pricing.
| 3D printing technology | PLTM technology |
| Build volume | 725 x 450 x 500 mm |
| Chamber temperature | Up to 190°C |
| Number of printheads with tip diameter | 4 printheads, 0.2 – 0.6 mm |
| Printhead temperature | Up to 400°C |
| Layer Height | 0.05 to 1.6 mm |
| Linear motors max velocity | Up to 600 mm/s |
| Filaments | ABS, ABS-CF, PC, PC-CF, PC-ABS and others |
| Dimensions | 2685 x 1887 x 1334 mm |
| Weight | ~1850 kg |
| Power requirements | 230 [VAC] (3 phases), 16 [A], max. power consumption 12 [kW] |
| Compressed air supply | Yes, 6 [bar] |
| Communication | WiFi, Ethernet |
| Software | PROLAY3D |
| Supported formats | STL |
| System requirements | Windows, Linux |
| Compliances | SIL 3, CE, 2006/42/WE |
Read all the 3D Printing Industry coverage from Formnext 2023.
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Featured image shows the PROLAY 7Q industrial 3D printer at Formnext 2023. Photo via Prolay.
