XL-Delta 3D printing concept.
3D Platform, the company known for its large-format FDM 3D printers and supersize prints, is going even bigger with the announcement of two new additive manufacturing concepts at IMTS in Chicago this week.
Responding to industry demand for increased scalability in additive manufacturing technology, the company has unveiled two new concepts, the XL-Delta and Excel-Multi Gantry printers.
Building upon their industry leadership of large format machines, these new systems will provide custom work areas from 0.5 to +3 cubic metres to allow machine operators to 3D print on scales that reach nearly 2.5m across and 2m in height. Leveraging nozzle sizes up to +4.5mm, 3D Platform machines increase the throughput of the materials while decreasing the 3D print time for each project.
As the name would suggest, the Delta Series takes the standard tall delta printing format and takes it to new heights with huge, custom print volumes. The Excel series brings a parallel gantry configuration to support multiple processes including additive, subtractive and robotics simultaneously. The power of multiprocessing using parallel gantries and a combination of configurations pushes previous application limits by providing the potential material throughput to 1.5 - 2 kg/hr.
Excel-Multi Gantry concept.
Internal studies printing common industrial parts have shown a 10x reduction in operating costs for materials used, as well as a 10x reduction in machine acquisition costs compared to machines in a similar class.
3D Platform is continuing its open approach in these machines by bringing together material science developments and best-in-class partnerships to expand applications. The strong partnerships the company has with THK, Yaskawa, and Shimpo contribute to the robust industrial design built into 3D Platform machines. These partnerships shape linear guides, while powering motion control and industrial robotics technology.
The XL-Delta and Excel-Multi Gantry are being exhibited at IMTS in Chicago this week.
TCT is reporting from IMTS this week - follow our updates on @TheTCTMagazine for the latest additive manufacturing news.
