Composite extrusion modeling (CEM) print head

The CEM-E2 multi-material print head for additive manufacturing (AM) can print metal, plastic, and ceramics. Its extruder’s print heads are matched to different material groups. Version M (metals) is for metal-filled materials (MIM pellets); P (plastics) is for filled and unfilled plastics, and C (ceramics) for higher abrasion ceramic-filled materials (CIM pellets). The new extruders/print heads have an improved accuracy of delivery for a higher surface quality and better mechanical properties of the component. Extrusion speed has been increased by more than 200% with manufacturing rates of up to 220cm³/h with a 0.4mm nozzle now possible.

AIM3D is also developing larger pellet 3D printers to manufacture larger parts and achieve even higher build rates.

AIM3D

Micro AM system

Fabrica 2.0, developed by Nano Dimension’s Fabrica Group, is used in micron-level resolution of micro-optics, semiconductors, micro-electronics, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), and in making products such as casings for micro-electronics, micro springs, micro actuators, and micro sensors.

The 3D printing system enables miniaturization that allows designers and manufacturers to build complex parts in small, medium, and high volumes.

Based on a digital light processor (DLP) engine, it achieves repeatable micron-level resolution by combining DLP with patented adaptive optics. The Fabrica 2.0 is engineered with an array of sensors allowing a closed feedback loop and uses proprietary materials which can achieve high accuracy while remaining a cost- effective mass-manufacturing solution.

Nano Dimension Fabrica Group

Commercial alumina ceramic

Because of its wide use as a technical ceramic and market demand for parts produced via NanoParticle Jetting (NPJ), XJet now commercially offers alumina.

Delivering high mechanical strength, high hardness, and good electrical insulation, alumina also has high wear resistance, high thermal conductivity, and resistance to high temperatures. Both alumina and zirconia are technical ceramics with very good resistance to chemicals (non-corrosive), are great insulators, and are very hard materials. NPJ allows extremely accurate near-net-shape alumina parts with ultra-fine detail and smooth surfaces.

XJet Ltd.

High-performance polymer

Essentium polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), made with Arkema 6002 Kepstan resin, is an ultra-polymer offering high heat and chemical resistance along with mechanical strength to meet aerospace and industrial application performance requirements.

PEKK shares most of the performance attributes of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) but has a lower crystallization rate and can be treated as an amorphous polymer; it’s less affected by the cooling process once the part is 3D printed, minimizing warping. PEKK maintains flame, smoke, and toxicity ratings for Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) compliance while offering improved resistance to chemical attack compared to polyetherimide (PEI) materials. PEKK has an extrusion temperature between 340°C and 400°C.

The new material enables manufacturers to scale and meet requirements of specific applications with tested and certified materials of their choice.

Essentium