www.3ders.org

Jul 20, 2016 | By Benedict

The Informal Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Competitiveness, an event organized as part of the Slovak presidency of the EU Council in Bratislava, has recognized 3D printing as a key technology in the digital economy and discussed, among other topics, quality standards in the industry.

Earlier this month, the six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union passed from the Netherlands to Slovakia. And while the Netherlands caught our eye after building some impressive 3D printed architecture for its presidency, Slovakia has already hosted an informal EU meeting about strengthening technology sector, highlighting the key role of additive manufacturing in that mission. The ministers for economic affairs of the various EU member states discussed how strengthening the investment ecosystem and training up experts could accelerate the growth of new European-made technologies such as 3D printing.

During the Informal Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Competitiveness, ministers recognized 3D printing as a key technology for economic growth, while commenting on the “magnitude and the speed of the current industrial revolution” and highlighting the “opportunities and challenges stemming from it.” To demonstrate the power of 3D printing to ministers, the Slovak ministry of economy invited Austrian startup Xioneer Systems to present its patented 3D printing system to the attendees.

Manufacturers of the Xioneer X1 3D printer, Xioneer Systems have developed an additive manufacturing system which enables businesses and individuals to access high-quality 3D printing at an affordable price. Features of the X1 include the deployment of two independent print heads, enabling users to print in two materials at the same time while eliminating the problem of dripped or leaking material from the inactive nozzle. When not printing, the inactive print head remains “parked” to the side of the print bed, preventing excess material from accidentally falling onto the printed object.

EU ministers at the meeting were impressed by the Xioneer Systems 3D printer and its ability to create high-quality, multi-material 3D prints. Dr. Andrei Neboian, CEO of Xioneer Systems, was invited to share his thoughts on the European technology sector and the state of 3D printing. Neboian suggested steps which could be taken to encourage growth of the 3D printing industry while ensuring a fair deal for competing manufacturers. His suggestions included dedicated academic programs for 3D printing, further financial support for research and development, binding quality standards for the 3D printing industry, and clear rules around intellectual property.

In addition to its convenient dual-print-head design, the Xioneer X1 3D printer offers advanced surface calibration using a patented 50-point topographic measurement system. With this calibration feature the printer is able to measure and map the entire print surface prior to printing, so that any warpage and tilt is factored in to the printing instructions, nullifying any potentially damaging effects on the print. Other handy features, such as a 20-second nozzle replacement system, plug-and-play materials cartridge, and bendable pop-off build plate, can purportedly make printing simpler, faster, and more effective for the average user.

The Xioneer Systems X1 is currently available at an early bird price of €4,890. Its regular retail price will be €6,990.

Xioneer Systems X1 features & specs:

• Two print heads
• 50-point topographic measurement surface calibration
• 20-second nozzle replacement
• Plug-and-play materials
• Removable, bendable build plate
• Enclosed build chamber
• Build volume: 300 x 300 x 310 mm
• Layer height: 0.10 - 0.25 mm
• Layer width: 0.45 mm
• Supported materials: PLA, PLA composites
• Nozzle size: 0.40 mm
• CPU: ARM Cortex M3

 

 

Posted in 3D Printer

 

 

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