German 3D Printer manufacturer Voxeljet AG, a leading provider of high-speed, large-format 3D printers and on-demand parts services to industrial and commercial customers, has released its first 3D printing system based on its new High Speed Sintering (HSS) process. The company’s material sets so far have been focused on tooling and pattern making applications, but with HSS, Voxeljet will be entering the thermoplastics market with the ability to directly manufacture end-use products.
In addition to Voxeljet’s current solutions’ portfolio, the new HSS process enables printing of parts with properties and qualities similar to Selective Laser Sintering, Multi-Jet Fusion or Injection Molding. Versatile and fully functional prototypes such as brackets, housings and other parts for end use can be produced. “In combination with excellent surface quality, sharp and clear edges, as well as true-to-detail resolution, HSS parts can be directly used for functional applications in automotive, industrial equipment, and even consumer goods,” said the OEM. The basis for HSS is the same as Voxeljet’s core technology – binder jetting. HSS works by selectively jetting an infrared absorbing ink onto layers of plastic powder. Each layer is exposed to infrared light, which melts the powder to form functional plastic parts directly out of the machine.
“Our new high-speed sintering process will initially be launched on our VX200 platform,” said Dr. Ingo Ederer, Chief Executive Officer of Voxeljet. “With that, we’re excited to offer to our customers great flexibility regarding process and machine parameters, as both can be tailored by our customers to their specific needs. We offer the option of open sourcing for materials, as our customers can choose various testing and validation services from Voxeljet. ProPrint, our new and modular printing software, is available in a full access development-kit, allowing for even greater customization options. The availability and application of a wide range of 3D printable thermoplastic materials, including elastomers, makes this product line ideally suited for material suppliers, universities and other institutions.”
Christian Träger, Director Sales & Marketing at Voxeljet, added: “Voxeljet’s industrial printers enable high-quality print resolutions with layer times that are consistent, no matter what’s being printed. Due to the large printing widths of our printheads, we see a high potential for increased printing rates on larger platforms in the future – making this process even more productive compared to other additive manufacturing processes.”
Voxeljet unveils new HSS process for production of end-use parts
