AMT postpro3d
Examples of the surface finish AMT's PostPro3D machine can achieve.
Additive Manufacturing Technology (AMT), a company focused on the production of post processing equipment, has partnered with Midwest Prototyping, one of North America’s leading AM service bureaux.
The alliance will not only seek to advance the post processing of additive manufactured parts, but has also seen Steve Grundahl, President of Midwest Prototyping, join the AMT board.
Earlier this year, AMT received a grant of £624,000 from Innovate UK to develop an automated post-processing machine for 3D printed polymer parts. Xaar and Atomjet have also been involved in the development of the machine, PostPro3D, which will be harnessed by Midwest Prototyping as part of the deal. It will be installed in Q4 of 2017, both companies hoping they can combine to find the ‘missing piece’ in the digital process chain. AMT will also gain direct access to the global 3D printing market, as the pair work to promote and sell the PostPro3D in the USA.
“The deal with Midwest Prototyping is a major step in our growth story,” said Joseph Crabtree, CEO of AMT. “The arrangement will provide a US presence for our PostPro3D machine with a company who is able to print parts onsite then demonstrate and showcase our technology to a wide range of potential customers. Having the support of Midwest provides a great springboard for future US sales.
“[Additionally], we are delighted to welcome Steve Grundahl to our board. Steve’s wealth of additive manufacturing and commercial experience will strengthen the board significantly.”
Grundahl added: “Demand for surface finishing 3D printed parts is significant in the US. We are delighted to enter into this partnership as it will enable us to satisfy this demand. The partnership achieves our long-held vision of providing an automated high-quality surface finish to 3D printed parts.
“The first PostPro3D machine, arriving in our facilities near Madison, WI, enables Midwest to deliver the quality surface finishing expected from our customers. We see our relationship with AMT developing further as both our business grow.”
PostPro3D brings the automated post processing and surface finishing of Laser Sintered and Multi Jet Fusion parts, including Nylon and elastomeric materials. AMT has likened the resulting surface finish quality to that of injection moulded parts. It is based on PUSh, which has been exclusively licensed to the company by the University of Sheffield, and has previously been used to produce a pair of Under Armour basketball trainers.
