Additive manufacturing specialist 3D Systems has developed an industrial 3D printer platform and materials for High Speed Fusion manufacturing of aerospace and automotive parts. The HSF™ series is a fused-deposition modeling (FDM) platform developed in collaboration with Jabil Inc., a manufacturer of components and systems for electronics and other industries.
FDM, also called fused-filament fabrication (FFF) is a 3D printing process in which a continuous filament of a thermoplastic material is processed through a moving, heated printer head, and deposited on a build platform according to a CAD-derived pattern.
3D Systems said its new series, including its Roadrunner™ 3D printer, “will provide the best economics of any high throughput industrial fused-filament offering in the market today.” It will use advanced electric motion control to operate with greater speed and precision levels than currently available systems, the developer added, and offer temperature capability and available build areas greater than those of competing systems.
“By introducing our High Speed Fusion filament printer, 3D Systems will build on the organizational focus that we adopted in 2020 and expand our presence in growing markets that demand high reliability products such as aerospace and automotive,” stated president/CEO Dr. Jeffrey Graves.
Specific applications proposed by the developers include direct printing (e.g., aerospace interiors and ducting, drone components, automotive under dash and under hood, and general industrial applications); tooling and fixtures; and prototyping parts for automotive, aerospace, medical, heavy equipment, and general industry.
