There’s a new metal 3D printer on the loose: the ADDIMETAL K-2-2.
ADDIMETAL is a relatively new 3D print startup, having been founded in Toulouse, France, in 2021. They’ve spent nearly four years developing the K-2-2, and it’s now ready to be shown to the public. Their intention is to show the device at Formnext in a couple of weeks, and we’ll be sure to check it out when we attend the event.
The K-2-2 uses the binder jet process. In this method, a print arm with inkjet printheads sweeps across a flat bed of metal powder. The printheads selectively deposit tiny droplets of binder. This glues some of the metal together. After printing, the fragile “green” part is removed from the metal powder and then sintered to form the fully metal final part.
The K-2-2 is not a large machine, as it offers a modest build volume of 200 x 200 x 200 mm. This is likely where the machine’s name originates.
The printhead is said to be the “largest printhead on the market” and is able to cover half of the build area per pass. That suggests it’s about 100mm wide, which is pretty big. Two passes for each layer, then.
ADDIMETAL said the printhead can be configured to print either quickly at 360 dpi or more slowly with a much higher resolution of 1200 dpi. That’s an interesting feature, as you have fast and high-quality machines in a single box.
ADDIMETAL seems committed to ensuring high-quality output. The presence of a 1200 dpi printhead is critical, but so is the machine’s ability to monitor and control the printing process. For that, they include a series of visual sensors that implement a real-time environmental control function.
Finally, the K-2-2 is designed to be an open materials device. You can purchase and use any metal powder you want in this machine but also experiment with different binder solutions. That could make the machine ideal for experimenters and institutions that have applications falling outside of the typical materials envelope.
ADDIMETAL CCO Franck Liguori explained:
“Our machine’s ability to use non-proprietary consumables offers unparalleled freedom to manufacturers, providing the flexibility they need to push the limits of innovation. “We’ve designed the K-2-2 to be versatile, cost-efficient, and easy to integrate into existing workflows, making it ideal for R&D teams and industrial applications alike.”
ADDIMETAL said the K-2-2 is priced at “under €200,000” (US$215K), and is available for purchase now.
Via ADDIMETAL
