The FUNMAT PRO 610 HT From INTAMSYS

The FUNMAT PRO 610 HT large format high temperature 3D printer [Source: INTAMSYS]

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INTAMSYS presented its latest cutting-edge 3D printer, the FUNMAT PRO 610 HT at Formnext 2019 in Frankfurt, the first time seen publicly in Europe.

The FUNMAT PRO 610 HT offers a large build volume of 610 x 508 x 508 mm, within which it is capable of 3D printing advanced functional materials. Because of its advanced thermal design, the FUNMAT PRO 610 HT can 3D print high performance materials such as PEEK, PEKK, ULTEM, PPSU, and similar high temperature functional materials without fear of warping.

To handle such high temperature materials, the FUNMAT PRO 610 HT includes impressive dual hot ends that can reach 500C, and an incredibly high build chamber temperature of 300C.

Maintaining such a high and consistent chamber temperature during 3D printing solves the challenges of large-format ULTEM and PEEK 3D printing by avoiding edge warping and cracking with a far smaller temperature gradient. Printed parts produced on the FUNMAT PRO 610 HT have a very high mechanical strength & endure a low mechanical stress.

The FUNMAT PRO 610 HT also includes an integrated and automated annealing post-processing step that simplifies part production workflows, a feature not often seen on other high temperature 3D printers.

Pre- and post-annealing of a large 3D printed PEEK part [Source: INTAMSYS]

Annealing, a type of slow heating process, is critically important to reduce any stress & strain within 3D printed parts, but it is also crucial for dimensional stabilization and improving the physical properties of the part.

The ability to reliably 3D print high temperature parts opens up many possibilities for industry that are otherwise closed with conventional 3D printers. The FUNMAT PRO 610 HT can produce such parts in low volumes for a variety of industries. Some industries in particular tend to have higher requirements for 3D printed parts due to the nature of that industry’s deployment environment. Typical industries requiring this type of part include sectors such as automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, and healthcare.

In the aerospace industry high performance polymers including PEEK and ULTEM are widely used for this reason. The aerospace sector is highly competitive and each new additive manufacturing solution must be lightweight and durable. High performance polymers are most frequently used in these scenarios.

Large 3D printed ULTEM part [Source: INTAMSYS]

Many demanding aerospace applications require the use of high mechanical strength, high temperature resistance and flame retardancy parts. ULTEM 9085 is specifically appropriate for this application because it meets very stringent aerospace industry requirements with its high strength-to-weight ratio and its flame, smoke and toxicity rating.

Potential application areas for 3D printing in aircraft manufacturing [Source: INTAMSYS]

Finally, unlike traditional manufacturing techniques, the ability to use these high performance materials can be fully leveraged through the use of 3D printing, where any conceivable geometry can be produced. Part designers can use complex CAD software to generate radically new and highly performing parts and be confident these parts can function.

Via INTAMSYS