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PostProcess and EOS Announce Strategic Partnership to Enable More Sustainable Automation Through the Additive Manufacturing Workflow

October 31, 2022

BUFFALO, NY, USA – October 27, 2022 – PostProcess, the leader in automated and intelligent post-processing solutions for 3D printed parts, and EOS, a leading supplier for responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology, announce a distribution partnership to provide a fully automated and sustainable depowdering solution for EOS customers. Complementing the EOS printer product range, the PostProcess Variable Acoustic Displacement™ (VAD) technology automates gross depowdering for 3D printed parts. This partnership makes it easier for customers to procure post-printing solutions, further enabling end-to-end digitization of the workflow from the part design through 3D printing to post-processing.

Existing methods of powder removal are highly manual or semi-automated and can cause in some cases safety and sustainability issues. This new solution by PostProcess using VAD is thermodynamically controlled with video and infrared monitoring while releasing, transferring, and recovering loose powder particles, hands-free.

The patent-pending VAD technology leverages software intelligence to optimize mechanical energy and intelligent closed-loop thermal and displacement techniques for revolutionary bulk depowdering results, enabling full process chain automation. The powder removal and recovery achieved with VAD technology improves process performance and control, providing customers with enhanced sustainability and employee safety, repeatability and productivity, and lower operating costs. Customers can print highly detailed and complex parts without worrying about breakage in the post-processing step.

“We are proud to solidify this partnership with EOS, a global leader in industrial 3D printing, to help end users more easily adopt the complete workflow of additive manufacturing and scale their operations,” stated Jeff Mize, PostProcess CEO. “EOS stands behind their sustainability objectives and shares in our dedication to ensuring additive manufacturing scales sustainably.”

Speaking to the collaboration Nikolai Zaepernick, Chief Business Officer at EOS, said, “This partnership with PostProcess provides a digital connection that enables traceability and connectivity. We found the perfect match with PostProcess in providing our customers with sustainable automated post-processing for their delicate and complex parts manufactured using the EOS P 500.”

Since it was first introduced in 2020, and as part of the validation process, VAD technology has been operating successfully with large industrial customers, processing hundreds of SLS cakes and thousands of parts in production environments. With its broader commercial launch at the end of this year, a few spots remain available for customers to participate in its Early Access Program. For more information, or to register for this limited VAD program, contact your EOS or PostProcess representative and learn more.

About EOS:
EOS provides responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology to manufacturers around the world. Connecting high quality production efficiency with its pioneering innovation and sustainable practices, the independent company formed in 1989 will shape the future of manufacturing. Powered by its platform-driven digital value network of machines and a holistic portfolio of services, materials and processes, EOS is deeply committed to fulfilling its customers’ needs and acting responsibly for our planet. www.eos.info.

About PostProcess Technologies:
PostProcess is the leader in automated and intelligent post-printing solutions for 3D printed and additive manufactured parts. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Buffalo, NY, USA, with international operations in Mougins, France, PostProcess removes the bottleneck in the final stage of the 3D printing workflow, post-processing, through a combination of patent-pending software, hardware, and chemistry technologies. The company’s solutions automate industrial 3D printing’s most common post-printing processes including support, resin, and powder removal, as well as surface finishing, enabling customer-ready 3D printed parts at scale and complete digitization of additive manufacturing through the workflow for the Industry 4.0 factory floor. The PostProcess portfolio has been proven across all major industrial 3D printing technologies and is in use daily in every imaginable manufacturing sector.

Please do read the official press release here.

Desktop Metal partners with Siemens to accelerate sustainable Additive Manufacturing

October 27, 2022

Desktop Metal, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and Siemens have partnered to accelerate the adoption of Additive Manufacturing for production applications, with a focus on the world’s largest manufacturers.

This collaboration is expected to offer increased integration of Siemens technology in Desktop Metal’s AM 2.0 systems, including operational technology, information technology, and automation. Desktop Metal solutions will be fully integrated into Siemens simulation and planning tools for machine and factory design. For example, Siemens Digital Twin tools are now used for designing some machines and Siemens Advanta can simulate all levels of the Binder Jetting (BJT) process and global plant planning, enabling fast and reliable decisions for factory planning.

Additionally, the companies will also work on specific industrial-scale projects involving data handling and environmental and health & safety topics. Together, they aim to promote the benefits of AM 2.0 technologies, with a focus on BJT as a key technology solution that can reduce waste, produce more, and build more resilient supply chains.

“Additive Manufacturing plays a crucial role as horizontal technology for many industries on their way to improved material efficiency and decarbonisation,” stated Tim Bell, head of the Siemens Additive Manufacturing business in the United States. “We are very excited about this partnership with Desktop Metal. Combining our digital twin concept for planning and simulation as well as the automation of the production systems with the technology of Desktop Metal will accelerate the transformation to scale. As additive manufacturing continues its path to industrialisation, collaborations like this will drive additive manufacturing to greater levels of quality and throughput only traditional manufacturing methods profit from today.”

Ric Fulop, founder and CEO of Desktop Metal, commented, “We’re proud to partner with Siemens to improve the integration of Desktop Metal solutions into existing trusted Siemens manufacturing infrastructures, which can help manufacturers prove out their manufacturing resources and concepts prior to the purchase of full work cells. Enabling customers to simulate different task-time scenarios for the full Binder Jetting process can help customers plan before they purchase any equipment. As our technology continues to make inroads toward high-volume production, we believe Siemens technology will be of increasing value to our customers.”

Desktop Metal qualifies Inconel 625 on Shop System

September 19, 2022

Desktop Metal, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, has announced that nickel alloy Inconel 625 has been qualified on its Shop System metal binder jet machine. This marks the material’s qualification across Desktop Metal’s entire portfolio, spanning Production System and X-series models, as well as the Studio System.

“Manufacturers looking to produce complex geometries in IN625 now have a one-stop shop for efficient Additive Manufacturing 2.0 production,” stated Ric Fulop, founder and CEO of Desktop Metal. “IN625 is a very difficult material to machine, but our technology truly makes it easy. We are proud of the work our world-leading material and process teams have done ensuring that this popular material can be offered across our portfolio.”

IN625 is a high-performance nickel alloy known for high levels of strength, temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance — making it a popular material choice for applications in the aerospace, chemical processing, and offshore energy industries.

However, IN625’s strength is what makes it a difficult and expensive material to machine into complex shapes. The process typically requires a skilled machinist and special CNC cutting tools, strategies and coolants to shape – and it’s not uncommon for cutting tools to be broken or deformed when milling Inconel stock, or for the material to deform when the outer layer hardens too quickly in response to machining, explains Desktop Metal.

www.desktopmetal.com

3D Printing Can Be Used to Fight Against Bacteria

September 15, 2022

Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever we are aware of how harmful and easily transmissible bacteria and other microbes are on surfaces. The mats that adhere there, some of which are slimy, are called biofilms and are often resistant to conventional disinfectants. They form complex communities and can even lead to life-threatening bacterial infections. But to eliminate this problem, a team of researchers at Montana State University in the U.S. has brought additive manufacturing into play to advance biofilm bacteria research using 3D printing technology. The goal here is to be able to produce a kind of tool that helps replicate the microbes. Researchers Zimlich and Thornton, who work at MSU’s Center for Biofilm Technology, have been working on the 3D printing device for two years.

Many tests and modifications later, however, they finally achieved their first success: the research object, which consists of a grid of individual bacteria inserted in hydrogel – a transparent, pudding-like substance – that they can precisely lay out at will, could be a great help for future bacterial transmissions. That’s because, specifically, it allows cells to be arranged and encapsulated exactly where they are needed to help fight bacteria. More specifically, the process involves imaging the microbes in the hydrogel and then solidifying the material with a laser to create an imperfect biofilm. While only one type of bacteria has been used so far in the research, if Zimlich and Thornton were to use other strains of bacteria, they could create more complex biofilms as a result.

A Forest Full of Bacteria

Comparable to a forest due to the sheer diversity of lifeforms present, Zimlich admits that even the simplest biofilm systems are complex species. For this reason, they felt it was their responsibility to combat microbes that may even be resistant to antibiotics. This is the case, he said, because the cells at the lowest level of the biofilm present are encapsulated from oxygen and enter a dormant state, making drugs ineffective against them. According to Phil Stewart, also a researcher at MSU, this phenomenon is explained by the fact that the bacteria have already undergone so many biological changes that such drugs are partially ineffective. Further development of such drugs is therefore inevitable, so that all forms of bacteria in the biofilm are attacked. However, Zimlich is optimistic and describes his idea for combating such a situation with bacteria, commenting, “One thing that’s becoming clearer is that there’s potential to treat these pathogenic bacteria by altering the interactive biofilm environment instead of trying to use harsh chemical products.”

But in order to further develop such treatments, numerous tests must take place in a controlled environment such as a laboratory. And that’s when the 3D printing tool finds its way. “We think it’s possible to construct analogs of how these pathogenic biofilms form naturally,” affirms Zimlich. With some 30 collaborative partners, the MSU research team also indicates in their press release that their research could even be of great interest to companies such as Procter and Gamble, 3M and NASA. More information on the project can be found HERE.

source: 3d natives.com

Why Combine 3D Printing and Industrial Automation Applications?

July 28, 2022

3D printing is widely used in the field of automation such as in compression molding. It’s a formative manufacturing method, currently popular in industry, that involves compressing the desired amount of molding material between two heated presses to give it its final shape. It is cost-effective compared to other production processes, allowing both small parts and large components to be designed. In addition, the base mold can be 3D printed, giving manufacturers more flexibility and geometric freedom. That’s why one electrical manufacturer has invested in several 3D printers from Flashforge, including 11 Creator 4 models. With this investment, the company was able to reduce its labor costs by 80% and cut delivery times by 50%.

Flashforge is a Chinese manufacturer that entered the 3D printing market in 2012. Since then, it has offered a wide range of solutions worldwide and caters to applications in education, healthcare, jewelry, and more. Among its wide range of 3D printers is the Creator 4, an industrial FDM machine with two independent extruders and different extrusion options to expand the range of compatible materials. It’s a ideal solution for multiples industries such as automotive, medical or consumer goods. It boasts a printing volume of 400mm350mm500mm, a heating plate capable of reaching 130°C and a closed chamber that can rise to 65°C. It is a solution that offers optimal temperature control combined with production flexibility, allowing it to be combined with automation processes, such as compression molding.

Integrating 3D Printing into the Compression Molding Process

One of the challenges of compression molding is the design of the hoppers and mold: each hopper must match the mold cavity exactly so that the material can flow properly. However, the molds used are not all the same shape, with different or irregular cavities, which multiplies the number of hoppers needed. Flashforge’s customer, which specializes in the manufacture of electrical equipment, explained: “Each project involves dozens, if not hundreds, of different shaped molds. Each size requires over a hundred hoppers. So, a completed project represents tens of thousands of hoppers. In the past, we have had to hire trade experts or even outsource the order. However, whichever solution we chose, it was costly in time and money, as was post-project maintenance.”

That’s where 3D printing comes in: the company relied on Flashforge’s Creator 4 machines to design the hoppers, freeing itself from the various shape, labor, time, and maintenance constraints of the past. As a result, the company invested in 11 machines and is now able to complete the design and production of 40 hoppers in a single day, about 10 more than before, all with only one employee on the job.

The 3D printer is capable of creating the hoppers with an accuracy of 0.2 mm to meet the necessary requirements. In addition, the Creator 4 is compatible with a wide range of materials, allowing the company to produce stronger, more abrasion-resistant molds and hoppers. The company uses ABS, nylon, polycarbonate and other technical materials to increase the durability of parts.

Benefits of Flashforge’s 3D Printing Solutions

In addition to this material compatibility, Flashforge 3D printers also allow teams to better control the manufacturing process and ensure that parts meet compression molding requirements. The resulting hoppers are lighter and easier to replace in the event of a defect.

Finally, the company estimates that it saved 10% of its labor costs in the first year and increased its output by 35%. A representative concluded: “Our customer orders are increasing and we will have to increase our production rate. Thanks to 3D printing, we can organize ourselves quickly and meet these growing needs. This is a real plus for us because we are able to meet demand in a flexible way.” If you have any 3D printing needs in terms of automation processes, feel free to contact Flashforge’s team HERE.

Why Choose Binder Jetting? Experts Give Their Advice!

July 6, 2022

source: https://www.3dnatives.com/en/binder-jetting-expert-advice-200620225/

Binder Jetting is one of the various additive manufacturing processes currently available on the market. It works in a similar way to other 3D printing methods, but it is based on the use of a liquid binder in the form of micro droplets and powder, whether metal, sand, ceramic or even composites. Layer by layer, the desired part is manufactured and, depending on the binder and the powder used, post-processing steps, such as sintering, could be necessary. It is a 3D printing process renowned for its flexibility in terms of materials and design, and for its ability to produce large parts. This makes it a key technology for many manufacturers. But what should be considered when a company wants to integrate binder jetting? What are the strengths and challenges of the technology? Our experts have answered a few questions to shed some light on the topic!

Our first expert is Andreas Müller, Product Manager at ExOne. His main focus is on developing and improving the capabilities of sand 3D printing machines. ExOne is one of the leading manufacturers of binder jetting 3D printers, especially systems using sand. Our second expert is Lefteris Havouzis, Managing Director of Lino3D. The Greek company currently supports companies and manufacturers in their additive manufacturing projects thanks to its expertise in several processes, including metal binder jetting. Finally, our last expert is Vincent Poirier, founder and president of Novadditive, the first custom production center for ceramics in multi-process 3D printing.

: Andreas Müller

: Lefteris Havouzis

: Vincent Poirier

How Does Binder Jetting Work?

Like any additive manufacturing process, binder jetting is used to produce a part by superimposing layers of material. In this case, a bed of powder with ideally grains that are ideally spherical and with a diameter of a micrometer. In order for the powder particles to stick to each other, a binder is sprayed onto the plate at the desired locations using a print head. The process is repeated layer by layer until the final object is obtained. Andreas Müller of ExOne adds, “Similar to printing on sheets of paper, the process is repeated layer by layer, using a map from a digital design file, until the object is complete. After printing, an entire job box filled with parts can print in about a half a day, the parts can be removed from the print area. Depending on the material and binder used, additional curing and post-processing steps may be necessary.”

As you can see, two materials are needed for the process to work properly: the 3D printing material and the binder. And what is particularly interesting about binder jetting is the diversity of materials on the market.

During jetting, binder is selectively placed on the material, sand in this example (photo credits: ExOne)

Material Flexibility in Binder Jetting

Sand Binder Jetting is compatible with metal, ceramic, sand and composite powders. It is therefore a technology that will address many types of applications – for example, sand Binder Jetting is popular for the design of foundry cores or molds, avoiding the need for tooling and offering greater design freedom. Andreas Müller explains, “ExOne sand 3D printing uses foundry grade sand and binder to create metalcasting molds and cores. Sand is also printed into other complex designs and infiltrated with resin to form durable end-use parts. The combination of print media and binder is customized for each application. Our 3D printers handle a variety of sandcasting materials including silica and ceramic sands. Different binders, such as furan, phenolic, and inorganic binders are available to cast a variety of alloys from aluminum and magnesium to iron and steel.”

If we now turn to metals, the same diversity of materials exists. Lefteris Havouzis says: “In general, all alloys can be effectively sintered (mainly iron-based alloys such as stainless steel, tool steels, nickel-based super alloys, chromium-cobalt alloys, as well as difficult-to-weld alloys such as refractory alloys). The most important point is that binder jetting can work with hard-to-weld alloys, where processes using a laser fail.”

Though often used for indirect processes, sand binder jetting can also create durable end-use parts (photo credits: ExOne)

Remember that in terms of process, a sintering step after printing will be necessary. Immediately after leaving the 3D printer, the part, called a green part, is very fragile and porous and will have to be heat treated to obtain its final mechanical properties. Unlike other metal processes using powder, metal binder jetting does not require print supports since the surrounding powder supports the part.

Finally, on the ceramics side, binder jetting is also one of the technologies used by manufacturers. Vincent Poirier explains: “Theoretically, all ceramics are compatible with binder jetting, provided that a suitable binder has been developed and that powders with spherical grains or that can be spread correctly can be produced. In practice, the ceramics developed for this process must have an advantage over competing additive manufacturing technologies.” So application is key when opting for ceramic powder bonding: you have to have a very specific project in mind, otherwise, the choice of this process is not justified. Alumina, zirconia, boron carbide or infiltrated silicon carbide are all ceramics used in binder jetting.

Sand binder jetting is widely used to create molds and cores (photo credits: BMW Group)

Advantages and Limitations of Binder Jetting

As you can see, one of the main advantages of powder bonding is its material compatibility. Note that everything is relative: the range of metals for example is more limited than those used with laser processes. But it is interesting to be able to play on the powder/binder combination according to the desired application.

It is also a technology that allows the production of large parts – depending on the capacity of the machines of course. Indeed, binder jetting carries out its printing stage at room temperature, which eliminates the risk of thermal distortion – there is no warping, for example. The user will therefore be able to imagine larger and more complex parts. Lefteris Havouzis of Lino3D adds: “If we compare with other technologies in the metal industry, we should mention in general a greater freedom of design, a reduction in manufacturing and marketing time due to the absence of tools and a greater complexity of the production mix that we can achieve. In the same print, we can print dozens of different batches without any changes.”

In addition to the volume of the parts, the relative speed and simplicity of the process can also be mentioned. Andreas Müller commented: “Binder jetting is renowned among additive manufacturing methods specifically for its high volumetric output. Among additive manufacturing technologies, it’s also the most similar to traditional printing with its simple approach and speed. The binder functions like the ink as it moves across the layers of powder, which like printing on paper, forms the final product. By contrast, many other forms of 3D printing build parts with a single point — often a laser or nozzle — that extrudes, melts or welds material together. Such processes require significantly more material and time to draw out each part with a single point, layer by layer.” Binder jetting machines in contrast can deposit many droplets of binder in one pass, reducing manufacturing time and increasing productivity. Take note, however, that post-processing steps can lengthen the process.

The use of ceramics requires post-processing (photo credits: WZR)

Post-processing is one of the ultimate limitations of binder jetting, especially when using metal and ceramic powders. You have to go through debinding and sintering steps that will add time but also affect the final part. Lefteris from Lino3D says: “When looking at the technology, it is important to mention that the critical phase of Binder Jetting is the sintering phase where several phenomena have to be taken into account. Working with a partner that can manage the entire value stream can then be very interesting.”

The result will be a more porous part with weaker mechanical properties. Vincent Poirier concludes: “The more the powder has the ability to settle well, the less porous the preform and then the ceramic part will be. It is therefore essential to choose the right powder and opt for spherical powders.

A Few Last Words of Advice

The most important keyword is INTEGRATION: Binder Jetting, like any other manufacturing technology, is not a stand-alone solution, but to realize its potential, it must be integrated into the company’s ecosystem, from design to post-processing. – Lefteris Havouzis

Sand 3D printing is a flexible production technology. It’s suitable as a fast manufacturing method for producing sandcasting tooling and can also be used to produce unique end-use products. The important thing to consider is the right combination of technology and material to suit those needs. At ExOne we offer an all-round sand 3D printing support, with a service center for our European customers right here in Germany where we walk customers through the different options and evaluate the best solution to solve their production challenges. – Andreas Müller

For ceramics, you need to have a very specific application that unequivocally requires this technology. As with other ceramic additive manufacturing technologies, we cannot cover all cases. In addition, it is important to understand that the know-how is not only in printing. Ceramic know-how is also important to master, for example, firing cycles and the consequences of sintering shrinkage on the finished products. – Vincent Poirier

Do you use binder jetting? Let us know in a comment below or on our Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

WEBINAR: Revolutionizing Jewelry Making with 3D Printing

July 5, 2022

Since the start of civilization, jewelry has been an important part of the lives of humans worldwide. From the prehistoric era to ancient civilizations to our modern era, it has always been one of the key items created in societies as it allows us to display status, decorate our bodies and, of course, has a sentimental connection. And indeed, it cannot be denied that the industry is still growing strong, with the global market expected to reach $255.42B USD by 2027. But just because a tradition is ancient, does not mean it cannot be improved upon. 3D printing, especially DLP and binder jetting, is increasingly being adopted by the jewelry industry thanks to its ability to quickly and more cheaply create intricate, detailed designs.

In our next webinar, “Revolutionizing Jewelry Making with 3D Printing,” come learn about how both resin and metal 3D printing are already being used to revolutionize the jewelry sector. We will be joined by experts from Lino and Kranias Astroroes Jewelry, a family owned jewelry business in Thessaloniki who was on the forefront of 3D printing adoption for jewelry manufacturing in Greece, on July 12th at 4PM CEST/10AM EDT/5PM EEST as they explain how 3D printing compares to traditional manufacturing in the sector. Furthermore, they will explain in detail the benefits of using 3D printing for jewelry making as well as the differences in using resins and metals and the specific advantages of both. The session will be followed by a live Q&A. Register for free HERE!

Speakers:

Maria Papageorgiou was born in Thessaloniki, Greece in 1986. After graduating from High School, she studied Geology in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She also obtained an MSc in Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh. From 2014, she started studying and acquiring her first experiences in 3D Designing and Printing, specializing in industrial design and jewelry design. She worked as a CAD designer for jewelry workshops and industries. Since July 2019 she has been working as a Product Manager at Lino SA, specializing in plastics and metal additive manufacturing.

Evangelia Krania, is 28 years old and currently lives in Thessaloniki where she is the Managing Director of family business Kranias Jewellery Workshop. Her educational background is in Balkan, Slavic, and Oriental studies. However, after her bachelor graduation she realized that her interest for jewelry manufacturing and production was much higher, thus she decided to be an active member in the family business. She immediately got involved in the jewelry market while obtaining a Social Media and Digital Marketing diploma. Now she utilizes her working experience with her knowledge to create the best possible value for the Workshop and 3D Printers are an essential tool for their excellence.

Madeleine Prior is the English Content Specialist for 3Dnatives, the leading international online magazine on 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing. As part of the team, Madeleine is in charge of defining the content 3Dnatives covers for its english-speaking audience, bringing the latest news about the additive manufacturing sector and its implications to readers.

You can register for free for the webinar HERE. Are you interested in the role of 3D printing in the jewelry sector? Will you attend the webinar? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

Maroussa Farewell Announcement

January 11, 2022

It is with unbearable grief and unspeakable pain that the LINOGROUP family bids farewell to our creator, friend and colleague
Maroussa Konstantinidou.

Our Maroussa, who will no longer be with us, has always been an uncompromising and genuine supporter and support for all of us, both in joys and sorrows.
She was distinguished, apart from her kindness, her positive thinking and her humor, for her effectiveness in whatever she was involved in, giving us many times in her own inimitable and direct way solutions that the rest of us find difficult to find.
She fought bravely with cancer, bravely and with incredible dignity facing the unfair blow of fate as a fighter.

It is hard to fill the void that our Maroussa leaves in all of us.

For us she is a part of our lives.

Goodbye to our Maroussa.
We bid you a crushing farewell.
We will always remember you.

Your colleagues at LINOGROUP

Lino3D will participate in Nanotexnology 2021, 3-10/7 in Thessaloniki

June 28, 2021

We are proud to announce you that Lino3D for once more year, will participate in the upcoming Nanotechnology 2021 Conference in Thessaloniki.

We are expecting you in the official Nanotechnology 2021 exhibition from 5th to 9th of July. Come visit us at our booth and learn more about Additive Manufacturing and how it is inextricably linked to Nanotechnology.

Join us and check the event’s official agenda at https://www.nanotexnology.com/

See you in Thessaloniki!

How Lino3D Benefits from Desktop Metal’s Acquisition of EnvisionTec

June 2, 2021

Published on June 2, 2021 by Madeleine P.on 3Dnatives.com website

In January 2021, American manufacturer Desktop Metal announced the acquisition of a historic player in resin additive manufacturing, EnvisionTec. This was a major deal in the 3D printing market, as it redistributed market shares and paved the way for a very interesting future for the American company, which was founded in 2015. But how can the merger between these two manufacturers impact the international additive manufacturing market? What are the consequences for manufacturers? Greek company, Lino3D, has given us some insight into the topic.

Lino3D has integrated the two technologies to meet a variety of needs and applications. The company has mastered both EnvisionTec’s Digital Light Processing (DLP) and more specifically Continuous Digital Light Manufacturing (cDLM); and Desktop Metal’s metal FFF technology as well as its Binder Jetting technology. Lino3D therefore has a key role to play in this acquisition because it is at the heart of the combination. The team adds: “Such an acquisition doesn’t only benefit the two companies: two top players combine their powers, it’s going to affect the evolution of the global additive manufacturing market.”

A key merger between two market players

Keep in mind, EnvisonTec was created in 2002 and is an expert in photopolymerization. Today, it offers a wide range of machines as well as resins for industries such as dental, jewelry, bio-printing, manufacturing, and more. Desktop Metal arrived much later, at the end of 2015, and has since experienced a meteoric rise, raising several million dollars before going public. It created Bound Metal Deposition, an extrusion technology, and binder jetting, allowing for the printing of quality metal parts. Both players are present worldwide, with a large customer portfolio. It is therefore understandable that such a takeover would not go unnoticed by the market.

One of the factors that played a role in Desktop Metal’s decision was undoubtedly EnvisionTec’s expertise and credibility in the resin 3D printing market. This acquisition allows the American manufacturer to access this know-how. Lino3D teams told us, “As the inventor of DLP technology, EnvisionTEC has one of the strongest intellectual property portfolios in the photopolymer 3D printing market, with over 140 issued and pending patents, which Desktop Metal believes includes blocked intellectual property. “

In addition, Desktop Metal will be able to address markets with which they are less familiar, such as dentistry and jewelry, offering them its metal solutions as well. This way, companies will be able to truly benefit from all of additive manufacturing’s advantages. Finally, the US company is significantly expanding its global distribution network, increasing its geographic sales capabilities to 68 countries worldwide.

The Lino3D team continues: “This acquisition is a strong message about the maturity of the additive manufacturing industry. It shows that the industry is changing fast, with historical players now facing younger ones, forcing them to change their strategy. Two major manufacturers joining forces is bound to change the market, redistribute market share, accelerate innovation, material development, etc. “

Lino3D uses both technologies to develop innovative applications

The Lino3D Lab integrates Desktop Metal and EnvisionTec solutions, allowing it to design applications with high added value. For example, it supported FirstWave3D in the development of the “PersonalAir” mask, a customized solution that offers more comfort, convenience and performance in terms of filtration. The startup had to meet very tight deadlines to launch its product as quickly as possible. It therefore needed a fast manufacturing method. The startup approached the Lino3D Lab to accelerate the various production stages.

Lino3D first used cDLM technology to design an initial mold using Envisiontec’s E-Mold resin. 100 to 200 parts were then created, allowing verification that the design of the mold worked well before starting the injection process. Traditionally, this first mold is made of aluminum, increasing lead time and costs.

Once the design of the mold was validated, FirstWave3D was able to manufacture its metal mold with CNC machining. Its particularity lies in the fact that it integrates 3D printed inserts on the Desktop Metal machine. The choice of additive manufacturing has several advantages according to Lino3D: “We decided to create an interchangeable mold with the possibility of modifying certain mold inserts, without having to change the entire mold! This significantly reduced manufacturing costs and production time. Desktop Metal’s technology allows us to build internal cooling channels closer to the plastic part, which also improves part quality and injection machine productivity compared to conventional technology.”

Thus, using cDLM and Metal Binder Jetting technology, Lino3D Lab offers a service covering the entire workflow, from design and prototyping to final metal mold and quick mold insert changes. You can find more information on the Lino3D website HERE.

Please do read the original Press Release by 3Dnatives.com here.