Industrial 3D printer manufacturer Titan Robotics has announced the launch of its new Atlas-HS hybrid additive manufacturing system.
Unveiled today at AMUG 2021, the system comes complete with a tool changer that works with both a pellet extrusion head and a 3-axis milling toolhead, enabling 3D printed parts to be machined during and after the printing process. Designed with productivity in mind, the Atlas-HS offers a large-format build volume ranging from 1066 x 1066 x 1118mm to 1270 x 1270 x 1828mm, with custom size options available.
“As part of Titan’s mission to enable adoption of additive manufacturing in industrial production, we are continuing to provide new and innovative solutions for our customers with the launch of the Atlas-HS. As the industry leader in pellet extrusion, the Atlas-HS broadens the capabilities for our customers to utilize our multi-head systems in new applications,” said Rahul Kasat, Titan Robotics’ Partner and CEO.
High-speed pellet extrusion with Titan Robotics
Known for its signature pellet extrusion 3D printers, Titan Robotics already has an extensive portfolio of Atlas 3D printers. According to the company, the use of pellets can slash production times down by a factor of 10x when compared to filament extrusion, with print speeds as fast as 30,000mm per minute. With lead times reduced from days to a matter of hours, customers benefit from higher throughput production at lower operational costs.
Late last year, Titan released its Atlas 3.6 3D printer – the company’s largest pellet extrusion system to date. Compatible with Titan’s Dual Pellet Extrusion and Hybrid Pellet + Filament Extrusion systems, the Atlas 3.6 features a build volume of 1270 x 1270 x 1828mm (as large as the new Atlas-HS) and is capable of printing parts up to 6ft in height. According to the firm, the Atlas 3.6 is one of the largest machines of its kind currently on the market.
The company also offers the flagship Atlas 2.5, which is available with pellet extrusion, filament extrusion, or a hybrid. Taking it a step further, the Atlas-H offers dual retracting pellet extruders or a hybrid dual retracting pellet + filament extrusion system, allowing users to print multiple pellet materials in one build.
The Atlas-HS hybrid 3D printer
The latest entry to the Atlas series is built for both functional prototyping and end-use production, with primary applications being molds, tools, jigs, and fixtures. Aimed at manufacturers in everything from aerospace to consumer goods, the Atlas-HS strives to be adaptable.
Expanding on the existing line of systems, the 3D printer features a heated build chamber complete with high-temperature extrusion capabilities. As such, it is designed to be compatible with a whole host of high-performance polymers and composites, including CF-PEI, GF-PEKK, Nylons and more. Users also have the option to add one of Titan’s filament extruders to the gantry alongside the default pellet head, granting a level of flexibility in the production process.
Clay Guillory, Founder and CSO of Titan Robotics, explains, “We have designed the Atlas-HS in keeping with our core values of offering production-ready systems and customizable features. As with all our Atlas models, the Atlas-HS will be available with industrial and advanced features that customers can select to meet their needs and their end-use application, such as a tool changer with multiple tools available.”
Like the rest of Titan Robotics’ systems, the Atlas-HS operates on a 3-axis CNC motion control system and a welded steel frame. Users can also incorporate custom features like I/O sensors, air filtration, and material dryers as and when needed. Features unique to the 3D printer include a chip collection system and spindle sizes up to ¼” in diameter and 4” in tool length.
Materials partnerships with Titan Robotics
Back in November, Titan Robotics announced a collaboration with Jabil Engineered Materials, a unit of manufacturing specialist Jabil, to advance the capabilities of its pellet 3D printers. Specifically, the partners have been working to qualify Jabil’s polymer materials on the Atlas systems, and have already validated the company’s carbon fiber-reinforced nylon composite pellets.
Elsewhere, Titan Robotics has also previously partnered with Brazilian petrochemical company Braskem to launch a new polypropylene (PP) material. Developed as part of the companies’ ongoing collaboration, the pellet-based polymer is the first commercially-available PP to be engineered specifically for the Atlas.
Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter for the latest news in additive manufacturing. You can also stay connected by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.
Looking for a career in additive manufacturing? Visit 3D Printing Jobs for a selection of roles in the industry.
Featured image shows the Atlas-HS hybrid additive manufacturing system. Photo via Titan Robotics.
