Infinite-Build 3D Demonstrator
Stratasys, a well-known giant in additive manufacturing is introducing its newest technologies this September at the International Manufacturing Technology Show. It will be unveiling its Infinite-Build 3D Demonstrator, which it hopes will continue to make 3D printing a very important component of product manufacturing. This demonstrator was designed to address the need for thermoplastic parts that are lightweight and have consistent material mechanical attributes. These products are intended to be suitable for use in many fields including aerospace and automotive. This new “infinite-build” method is able to print on a vertical plane not previously capable of any 3D printers. It will allow for a part to be built to virtually infinite dimension in the direction of the build, an important step in the future of additive manufacturing.
Infinite Build 3D Demonstrator
A decade-long partnership between Stratasys and popular aerospace company Boeing was pivotal to the development of this technology. It was this partnership that helped to define the specifications required of the demonstrator to be able to produce quality, useable components. Another collaborator in the development of this 3D demonstrator is the Ford Motor Company. Ford, no stranger to innovation, is working with Stratasys to use this process to develop and test 3D printed components for use in automotive product design. This was not previously possible due to the limitations in size, restricted from having to print solely on a horizontal plane.
Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator
Also being presented is the Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator which combines Siemens’ motion control hardware and PLM software with the advanced extrusion technologies created by Stratasys. Composite materials are a very important part to the future of manufacturing and this new development from Stratasys helps to streamline the process. Composites are widely being utilized in the Medical industry and also used in Oil & Gas, providing durable and lightweight structures. This demonstrator employs an eight-axis motion system which allows for precise placement of material to create structures engineered for strength in true 3D printing fashion. It provides a future view into how these techniques can affect the speed at which production of parts occurs using a large array of materials.
Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator