Having invested in the Nano Dimension Fabrica 2.0 micro AM technology, micro molding specialist Accumold announced it has launched a website dedicated to the technology. Accumold sees the new micro AM technology as an important addition to its portfolio of complementary technologies all used to provide optimized micro plastic parts and components as economically as possible.
Aaron Johnson, VP Marketing and Customer Strategy at Accumold says, “We are delighted to launch our micro AM related website at www.micro3dprinting.com. Visitors will be able to find out about the unique Fabrica 2.0 technology, and will also be able to learn how micro AM can be used to the benefit of their specific applications. Nano Dimension’s Fabrica 2.0 brings the benefits of AM to micro manufacturers for the first time, including hitherto impossible part complexity (enhancing design and functionality), no tooling costs, minimal set up costs, and the ability to mass customize and personalize products. A versatile technology appropriate for prototyping, small batches, and mass manufacturing, the Fabrica 2.0 is already stimulating innovation in the micro manufacturing sector, and we are delighted to be able to offer it to our customers.”
Micro AM appeals to an array of manufacturers that up until now have not been able to cost-effectively or efficiently fulfil design intent using traditional manufacturing processes. In addition, being agnostic to part complexity, and therefore allowing the manufacture of hollow structures, holes, complicated interior details, and atypical shapes, micro AM is promoting innovation and therefore is accurately described as a true enabling technology.
While the Fabrica 2.0 can cater for volume applications (multiple thousands of small parts and components fitting easily in the machine’s 50 x 50 x 100 mm build envelope), the introduction of an AM solution for micro manufacturers also means that OEMs are able to reduce the reliance on economies of scale, as the technology makes full production runs measured in thousands as inexpensive as producing one. Micro AM technology makes low to medium-volume production runs possible that have previously been uneconomical due to the high tooling and set-up costs associated with traditional manufacturing alternatives.
Johnson continues, “With the Fabrica 2.0 repeatably achieving 1 micron resolution and high-quality surface finish, it is a real game changer for micro manufacturing, and this is explained on the website. However, another area that the website discusses in detail is the use of the Fabrica 2.0 to make durable direct rapid soft tooling (DRST). We have succeeded in injecting standard thermoplastic materials such as PP, PE, and ABS into a 3D-printed mold that was manufactured with a new proprietary material Nano Dimension developed. DRST facilitates prototyping and low volume production without the lead times and costs associated with traditionally fabricated tooling. Accumold will work with customers to further enhance the DRST process on the Fabrica 2.0, marking a pivotal and strategic opportunity for our customers.”
Filed Under: Make Parts Fast
