Admatec Additive Solutions has introduced a desktop ceramic 3D printing system for new adopters of technical ceramic additive manufacturing.
Targeted primarily at universities and academic institutions, but also said to be suitable for those in industry, the Admaflex Discovery system is priced at $92,500. It can also be expanded into a ‘larger and more powerful form factor.’
Beyond established ceramic additive manufacturing markets, Admatec sees considerable opportunities in emerging applications such as jewellery, dental, and hospital environments, where accessible desktop ceramic printing can enable new workflows.
Per Adamtec, the Discovery shares ‘proven operation principles’ with its ADMAFLEX 130 evolution system, as well as the 130’s foil system, material recirculation system, full layer-to-layer control, and the Z-axis Zero Clamping system. It has been designed in accordance with user feedback, the company says, with the ability to scale-up the solution said to be a key demand. Upgrading to the larger form factor increases the build envelope, gives users access to higher projection resolutions, and enables users to work with two resolution settings. After the upgrade, the system becomes a standalone model.
“With the Discovery, ceramic 3D printing fits on lab and fab benches, and fits a first budget,” said Michiel de Bruijcker, Managing Director of Admatec Additive Solutions. “Because it is upgradeable, customers never outgrow their investment.”
The Discovery maintains Admatec’s open materials approach meaning users can work with their own ceramic slurries or with Admatec premixes. Supported materials are Al2O3 (alumina), SiO2 (silica) and base resins for custom formulations. Users have full control over system settings, Admatec says, allowing them to develop and optimise materials and processes for their specific applications.
Admafelx software 3.0 will support the system, with the company recently redesigning the operator interface. The machine is operated from an integrated 7-inch touchscreen, and the same full interface is available on a PC or laptop. Connected by network cable, the Discovery can be used directly or standalone. Any PC or laptop on the same network, including over Wi-Fi, can open the full interface in a browser.
Admatec will also support customers with a complete end-to-end ecosystem, encompassing printing technology, ceramic materials and consumables, debinding and sintering solutions, technical support, and application expertise.
The company will showcase the Discovery system at this year's Formnext.
