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Nov 6, 2018 | By Thomas

BASF Venture Capital GmbH is investing in Shanghai based Prismlab, a leading provider of 3D printing processes and 3D printers in China. Prismlab has developed a patented printing process that is characterized by a very high printing speed, high level of precision and lower printing costs. BASF’s venture investment will enable Prismlab to further accelerate its product development and innovation while strengthening its market reach to the global market.

In 2013, Prismlab successfully developed Sub-Pixel Micro Scanning (SMS) light-cured 3D printing technology. Later, it developed a patented 3D printing process, “Pixel Resolution Enhanced Technology”, based on stereolithography (SLA). The technology works similar to existing SLA 3D printers by using a projected light source to cure liquid resin. Since then, they have developed a variety of 3D printers that can print up to 2,712 cubic centimeters an hour at an incredibly high 33 micron layer resolution. For comparison purposes, your standard filament-based 3D printer has problems at anything less than a 100 micron layer resolution.

And while Prismlab isn’t the only company developing their own SLA systems, they succeeded in separating themselves from the pack after winning a 2016 German iF Design Award for their RP400 3D Printer. Prismlab's 3D printers are able to produce large-scale objects using their ultra-fast printing process while still maintaining the same high resolution quality that we’ve come to expect from SLA 3D printers. The Prismlab team suggests it can produce 3D printed parts up to 10 times faster than similarly priced 3D printers with the help of their patented technology.

"Prismlab’s technology increases the printing resolution without compromising printing speed," according to the press release. "In order to increase the amount of energy brought into a pixel, Prismlab’s technology divides each pixel in the resin into several small sections, which can be cured individually by exposure to LCD light. This makes the energy input into each pixel significantly higher than similar processes that expose each pixel to light once. This allows comparatively large and stable components or numerous parts to be printed in the same production step. With the use of LCD light, it also reduces process costs."

All said, the focus with their 3D printing equipment and supplies offerings revolve around several diciplines such as jewelery making, footwear, education and other precision based industrial markets. The Prismlab technology can also be used in various key customer applications in healthcare, including invisible braces, and anatomical models for medical, and education and training purposes.

“This is our first direct investment in a Chinese company,” said Markus Solibieda, Managing Director of BASF Venture Capital GmbH. “The trailblazing technology from Prismlab allows large and stable components, such as medical braces and anatomical models, to be 3D printed for the first time. This investment supports BASF’s strategy of actively advancing our technologies and expanding our product offering in the 3D printing sector.”

“China is transforming from a manufacturing-driven to an innovation-driven economy. This investment in Prismlab reflects our commitment to further expanding our innovation capabilities in China, and BASF Venture Capital plays an important role in helping us identifying potential partners that lead us to success,” said Dr. Zheng Daqing, BASF’s Senior Vice President, Business and Market Development Greater China.

“The 3D printing technology must continue to evolve before it is set to change the world. At Prismlab, we aim to spearhead and accelerate that change by providing solutions through specialized customization. The investment allows us to stay laser-focused on our R&D capability, a key factor to achieve that goal,” said Mr. Hou Feng, Founder and Chairman of Prismlab.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printer Company

 

 

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