3DGence premiered a new Metal FFF Industrial 3D Printer series at Formnext 2021. The new ELEMENT series launches with two printers in the mid-size and compact range, extending on their INDUSTRY series of high-temperature thermoplastic printers.
In the past 2 years, Metal FFF technology has made significant progress as an affordable entry into metal part prototyping and production. The number of desktop systems that can print open market metal filaments has increased, and the current key industrial players are experiencing consistent growth despite the economic impact stemming from Covid-19. 3DGence is now entering the Metal FFF segment with middle and compact-sized Metal FFF 3D Printers to provide a solid, reliable option in the entry and middle-priced segments – providing industrial-grade quality at scalable pricing with our ELEMENT Series MDM printers.
The 3DGence ELEMENT series launched with the MP260, a compact machine designed as a cost-effective prototyping printer for MIM production companies. The MP350 is a mid-sized metal industrial printer that provides a total system of printer, debinder and sintering station.
The ELEMENT MP260 will process two key materials, including 316L Stainless Steel. The MP260X version will also be offered at the time of launch and will work with most sinterable filament materials utilized in current MIM technology. The printer is equipped with an enhanced extrusion system, an advanced hardened nozzle with a material detection system, and a specifically designed material bay. All the above is making the 3DGence ELEMENT MP260 a strong support technology to current MIM processes.
We based our technological solution on the experience of our MIM partners. First, the printers must be reliable and easy to use. Feedstock materials are generally brittle and hard to handle with standard extrusion systems. We developed and tested many different designs before we finalized a reliable and stable extrusion system.
The MP260 was specifically designed to help companies use MIM technology to close the gap in the prototyping phase. We understand the gap in prototyping in the MIM environment – and our ELEMENT series will cost-effectively fill this void, enabling productivity of the larger MIM investment.
The 3DGence ELEMENT MP350 is a larger volume solution with high-throughput, advanced safety features, and a wider range of materials. More information will be released on the MP350 system in December 2021 – and the printer will be on operating display at Formnext 2021.
Our goal is to bring industrial-grade Metal FFF technology to our industrial customer base that is accessible without compromising expected quality. As the recent focus has been on our high-temperature thermoplastic printers for sequential, robust printing in high-performance materials like ULTEM™ and the PAEK range, we are now making the natural extension to high-performance non-polymer materials. The new ELEMENT series has been specifically designed for this portfolio extension, as we believe there will be varying needs for metal, high-temperature thermoplastics, and composite parts – often side-by-side – depending on specific applications across key industries. Regardless, the end goal is the same: enable our users to produce high-quality end-use parts through a single, reliable platform that offers consistent benefits.
The series will launch with the MP260 in December 2021, with the MP350 following in Q2 of 2022. Pre-orders will open in January 2022.