The Additec μPrinter is the world’s most compact metal 3D printer. It is capable of depositing wire and powder feedstock into complex geometries, all while fitting onto a desktop. The ability to process commercial welding wire means that materials are widely available anywhere in the world and pricing starts below 10 USD per kg. It includes many novel features that make it a very reliable and easy to operate machine.
Thanks to its integrated process control, its ability to produce fully dense parts, its small footprint and low purchase and running costs, the μPrinter represents an improvement on the current state of Laser metal 3D printing.
Use case Industry
Due to the very high process stability, integrated monitoring, and many automated features the μPrinter is perfect for companies who would like to get started with Metal 3D printing and want a complete solution. Our goal is to provide the μPrinter as an entry point, for process evaluation and then allow the customers to utilize the same process scaled up with a larger Additec 3D printer, or Hybrid CNC conversion to make very large components. Thanks to its sealed atmosphere the printed parts are free of oxidation. The μPrinter can also be used for cladding or repair of small components.
Use case Research
The μPrinter is perfectly suited for Research and development applications. We allow the user to have access to all process parameters and do not impose third party material limits, its compact size and integrated wire cutter means that inerting the chamber Is inexpensive and should the process fail, the availability of the wire cutter lets the user restart without having to refill the chamber. The ability to process wire and powder, even at the same time is a first in the industry and means that a single μPrinter can be used for a range of research applications.
Further, all integrated sensor data (feed pressure, chamber temperature, oxygen level, particle level etc.) is available through a secondary USB output and can be used to more closely monitor the process. Also, every parameter is available to be altered in G-Code, can be updated in process and we provide a very capable macro utility that let the user easily bundle up commands and poll data for testing and automation via the Web interface. Lastly the stationary deposition head and optional side viewport allow for easy integration of third party monitoring equipment.
Pricing
The μPrinter is available for 90,000USD (excluding shipping and vat) with 600W Laser Power. For Options, Please see the bottom of the page.
Standard features:
600 Watt Diode Laser
As standard the μPrinter comes with three laser diodes of 200W each, giving a total output power of 600W. Each laser is equipped with a visible aiming beam making alignment of the head onto existing structures very easy.
Adjustable Deposition Head
As Standard the μPrinter is delivered with our adjustable deposition head, since the head is stationary, an upgrade to the monolithic head is usually not necessary.
Wire Material Feed System
As Standard the μPrinter is equipped with a singled material Wire feed system, that consists of the wire feeder in the deposition head itself and a push-feeder close to the material spool, giving very precise control over wire feed. Thanks to the wire process the μPrinter is 100% material efficient. Fits 0.6mm to 1mm wire diameters, spooled on up to 300mm (12″) commercial MIG Spools
Print Envelope
The μPrinter build envelope is 160mm x 120mm x 450mm (X,Y,Z). The gantry is highly dynamic and capable of very high acceleration, letting you print even the sharpest corners accurately.
Inert chamber
The Process chamber of the μPrinter sealed and filled with Argon during deposition. Integrated filtration removes particles from the chamber, and active temperature management of the side walls further aid in stabilizing the process. Thanks to the highly compact chamber the printer does not need a lot of shield gas, reducing its operating cost. After a print is done, the atmosphere is vented through the rear of the printer, reducing the risk of breathing shield gas when opening the system. A vent hook-up is also available on request, however due to the small amount of argon in the system, safe operation is possible even in small rooms without direct connection to a vent.
Active Process Control
Deposition, with (left) and without (right) process control activated, with the same deposition settings.
Our Active Process control enhances process stability exponentially. It works, by addressing the two main causes for deposition instabilities, by automatically setting the nozzle to part distance for each layer and by modulating process parameters on the fly in accordance to feedback from a variety of sensors. The result is a very forgiving process. Thanks to the automatic nozzle to part distance getting the layer height correct no longer is no longer guesswork!
Integrated Wire-Cutter
The automatic wire cutter is a very convenient feature, that saves a lot of money and argon. If a print failiure occurs, the controller can automatically return to the position of failure, trim the wire feedstock and restart the process. Very useful also when experimenting with new materials, because the operator does not have to open the chamber to cut the wire when dialling in the process
Process Chiller
An active water Chiller is delivered with the μPrinter. It hooks up directly to the printer and is controlled automatically. A water flow signal is part of the laser interlock circuit making running the system without the chiller impossible. Laser temperature is also measured and logged.
Integrated Camera
A live video feed is available through the web interface, for remote monitoring. For QA the user can also store video data on the system. It is also possible to configure it to take time lapse videos.
Connectivity and Power
The μPrinter can be controlled either via a locally hosted web interface for maximum convenience through a standard ethernet connection with an existing network, or via USB without the ability for remote access to the machine. Additionally, process data can be read out live through the second USB port.
The μPrinter is designed to be powered from single phase 110 or 240v (must be specified at order, because the process chiller only work with either 110 or 240v).
Slicing software for path-generation
Additec provides toolpath generation software for the μPrinter, along with preconfigured profiles for common materials. The user can however alter all parameters and create new material profiles easily.
Dimensions
The μPrinter has a footprint of 390x390mm and is 1100mm tall. Depending on the selected options it weighs 75 to 100kg.
Upgrade Options:
1000 Watt Diode Laser
Equip the μPrinter with five 200w laser diodes for a total of 1000w Laser power for faster print times. Price: 15,000 USD. (Excluding VAT)
Monolithic Deposition head
Instead of the adjustable head, the μPrinter can be equipped with a deposition head that is machined from a solid block of material and has non-adjustable lasers, preventing any chance for misalignment. Available for three or five lasers. Price: 15,000 USD. (Excluding VAT)
Additional Wire Feeder
The μPrinter may be equipped with up to two four feed systems, that can be switched in-between automatically to process different materials without additional setup. Price: 7,500 USD per additional wire Feeder. (Excluding VAT)
Additional Powder Feeder
For those who wish to print powder materials, the μPrinter can be fitted with up to 4 powder material feeders, opening up more applications for research and component repair, it is also possible to use a third-party powder feeder instead of the Additec feeder. Price: 10,000 USD per Powder feeder. (Excluding VAT)