Oct.16, 2013
Under the slogan of "Freedom has to be experienced!", ARBURG, one of the leading global manufacturers of injection moulding machines for plastics processing, is presenting a unique 3D printer called "Freeformer" which allows users to take 3D CAD files and turn out functional parts made from drops of liquid plastic and without a mould.
With ARBURG Plastic Freeforming (AKF) standard granulated plastics are melted as in the injection moulding process. The AKF process makes use of 3D CAD files, which are read in directly by the freeformer. After start-up, everything else takes place automatically.
The key is a clocked nozzle that opens and closes - up to 100 times a second - with piezo technology that builds up the desired component layer-by-layer from minuscule plastic droplets without support structures. Working with the Technical University of Munich Arburg developed the patented nozzle closure with piezo technology. The discharge unit with nozzle remains stationary, while the item under construction is moved by a component carrier with three or five axes.
With a component carrier that moves along five axes, Freeformer can make plastic parts with complex geometries. It can also be used for processing two components, or colours. In this way, greater functionality can be incorporated in parts, such as hard/soft combinations and plastic items with a special look or feel.
Highlights:
- Unique: fully functional parts are created with minuscule plastic droplets, without a mould
- Versatile: low-cost standard granulates are used instead of expensive special materials
- No support structures: stationary discharge unit and moving component carrier for complex 3D geometries
- Combinable: AKF is also suitable for processing two components, e.g. in moving hard/soft combinations
- Effortless: parts are automatically built up layer by layer on the basis of 3D CAD files
The Freeformer can be seen from 16 to 23 October at Stand A13 in Hall 13 at K2014 show in Dusseldorf.
Posted in 3D Printers
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Is this technology is better than normal filament 3d printing. And is the time consumption will be same or any difference is there? Kindly let me know please. Or write me at panand@ekak.in
Jerome Reynolds wrote at 9/15/2014 3:58:33 AM:
I love it! Please send me info
lassi wrote at 10/18/2013 8:01:43 AM:
bri: you mean objet? the tech is out there but expensive.
Suro wrote at 10/16/2013 6:37:07 PM:
Agreed - if the dots get small enough (100 DPI +) things start to get really interesting.
Bri wrote at 10/16/2013 4:38:59 PM:
It was only a matter of time before someone applied traditional printer head technologies to 3d printing. Seems like a pretty darn obvious evolution, would be curious to see some actual prints now.
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