The global 3D printing giant Stratasys has launched a high-energy thermal jet 3D printing technology, which is expected to be applied to the mass production of plastic parts.
In March 2021, Stratasys, a leading plastic polymer 3D printing company, released details of its upcoming powder bed melting process 3D printer. The new H-series™ production platform adopts the selective absorption melting™ technology designed to meet the needs of large-scale production and is expected to be officially launched in the third quarter of 2021.
SAF is a brand-new industrial-grade additive manufacturing technology that can mass-produce terminal parts. The 3D printer based on SAF technology condenses more than 10 years of research and development results, can be mass-produced at a competitive unit cost, and provide high-quality, stable performance parts.
SAF technology uses a counter-rotating roller to coat the powder layer on the printing bed, and spray the heat-sensitive agent HAF™ according to the layered data. The infrared lamp will follow the nozzle to weld the imaging layer within the entire printing bed from left to right. The technology always executes these key process steps with the same action to ensure uniform thermal coverage-so no matter where the printed part will be installed, excellent consistency can be obtained.
Efficient and stable powder management
SAF's original Big Wave™ powder management system ensures that the powder is always distributed on the entire printing bed and maintains a large area and uniform thermal stability. Any spilled powder will circulate quickly, minimizing the heat exposure of the powder and reducing powder aging. This not only reduces the amount of fresh powder required, but also reduces operating costs.
High-energy heat-sensitive agent jetted by industrial print head
SAF technology can selectively eject the high-energy heat-sensitive agent HAF™ onto the powder bed. The width of the industrial piezoelectric print head spans the entire printing area. Through precise control of ejecting single or multiple drops of liquid onto the powder bed, fine details can be drawn. Or a whole cross section to ensure that the output is not affected.
This technology uses a unique formula solvent, which can handle a variety of powders. The infrared energy radiates the area covered by the thermal spray to melt the particles and the underlying particles. Precise heat control can avoid deformation or quality degradation, and can reduce the peak temperature required by the print bed, making SAF technology an ideal production choice.
This technology can be used to process a variety of materials such as polyamide (nylon) and elastomers. The cooperation between Stratasys and leading chemical companies will undoubtedly help more new materials to be introduced to the market faster.