UK-based tooling services provider Base Materials has launched a large-format 3D printing service.
The company will use the new capability to provide manufacturers with a 'faster, smarter' alternative to traditional tooling methods.
With this new capability, Base Materials says it can enable the production of complex, single-piece models with no visible bond lines. The company claims to have cut material waste by up to 58% and reduced production timelines by as much as 70% in internal trials.
Key to the new service is a specially formulated printable paste system that is said to offer 'structural strength, thermal stability and dimensional precision.' The ProXtrude system prints material layer by layer using advanced robotics to create near-net-shapes. The print bay measures 6m x 2m x 2.5m.
Base Materials says each part is manufactured to tight specifications, supporting hollow structures, thin-walled forms and intricate overhangs. The resulting parts exhibit enhanced structural integrity and a refined surface finish, requiring just 10mm of CNC machining to meet final tolerance and aesthetic standards. This final step can then be completed by the customer or their preferred machining partner.
John Miller, Managing Director of Base Materials, said: “This investment marks a significant milestone for Base Materials. Our large-format 3D printing service combines material innovation with digital manufacturing to deliver faster, cleaner and more efficient tooling solutions. With the ability to print complex, full-scale models in a single piece – and do so using our new ProXtrude, high-performance printable paste system – we’re helping our customers embrace new levels of design freedom and speed.
“We see this as a pivotal innovation for industries where the demands for lightweighting, rapid prototyping and reduced material waste to support ESG commitments are growing every year. By offering precision additive manufacturing in addition to traditional tooling methods, we're not only pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tooling design but also supporting manufacturers in their innovation journey.”
The company believes the new large-format 3D printing service will be deal for industries where large-format tooling, prototypes, lightweight or hollow components, and intricate designs are key. Base Materials is also offering ProXtrude as a stand-alone product for companies with their own in-house 3D printing capabilities.
