TNO has been developing some unique 3D printing technologies that we may see in new machines soon.
TNO, or Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research) is an 80-year old non-profit research organization. Recently they’ve been investigating new methods of performing resin-based 3D printing. We had a look at their results.
The machine you see above is in fact merely a rough prototype designed to test new 3D printing technologies; TNO, after developing them, will partner with commercial entities to deliver the technology to the public in the form of products.
They’re working on a new light engine to provide for a more efficient method of solidifying liquid resin into solid objects. The new engine can provide up to 20 micron (0.020mm) resolution and is “expandable”, meaning it can theoretically print larger volumes than a single light projection. They’re not the only group working on that capability, so it’s likely we’ll see several resin 3D printers deliver large volumes in the future.
Another development from TNO is ceramic printing. They’re apparently creating a ceramic resin in which ceramic is mixed with a binder resin. In post processing the resin is burnt out, leaving a ceramic object.
Again, they work with partners to deploy the technology and we were told they are actively seeking partners for their latest developments.
Via TNO
