Israeli 3D printer manufacturer巨大3Dhas launched a new machine that’s specifically designed to reduce the time it takes to produce large-format composite molds.
Powered by the firm’s Cast-In-Motion (CIM) technology, the Massivit 10000 enables users to create intricate tooling in a rapid four-step gel dispensing and casting process, which simplifies the molding workflow. In doing so, the system unlocks higher throughputs and reduced tooling iteration cycles for adopters, particularly those operating in the automotive, aerospace, energy and marine sectors.
“We are thrilled to unveil our advanced Cast-In-Motion technology to the composite manufacturing arena,” Massivit 3D CEO Erez Zimerman said at theCAMX 2021博览会。“这个市场渴望创新，这将改变模制范式，以便制造商最终可以加快其交货时间从几周到几天。”
Large-format Gel Dispensing Printing
Founded in 2013, Massivit specializes in the production of large-format machines for clients in the engineering, academic, architecture and visual communications markets. Each of the firm’s systems are built around its proprietary Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP) technology, an approach that’s basically a cross between FFF and material jetting, in which gels are extruded at high speed and cured into layers.
在正常和“专业”迭代中可用，Massivit的旗舰3D打印机，1800系列, is a 145cm x 111cm x 180cm machine that’s capable of creating super-sized models and molds at a pace up to 30 times quicker than traditional technologies. Over the years, this scalability has allowed the systems to address varying applications, including the creation of thermoforming molds and huge advertising displays.
Building on the success of its 1800 3D printer, the company opted to launch a new machine in April 2021: theMassivit 5000。Designed to meet the needs of providers producing large photopolymer parts for automotive, marine and railway customers, the unit features a unique Dual Material System, that enables two parts to be 3D printed simultaneously with different materials and levels of resolution if desired.
为了支持其不断增长的打印机组合，该公司也released two new materials, including the flame-retardent Dimengel 20-FR as well as the translucent design verification and architecture-oriented UL94-V0, and following itsIPO earlier this year这看到它筹集了5000万美元，现在它继续扩展其与Massivit 10000的产品。
将“ maskiv”纳入巨大
Launched at the CAMX 2021 expo, the colossal 1.2 x 15 x 1.65-meter 10000 3D printer is built to address what Massivit sees as the pain points of creating large composite parts: cost, lead time and complexity. Largely, the machine is able to combat these thanks to its built-in CIM technology, which condenses a normal 19-step molding workflow into a four-stage process, by eliminating the need for an initial ‘plug.’
In place of a traditional master design, the CIM process begins instead with users creating a desired tooling pattern out of UV-curable gel, which can then be 3D printed from various thermoset engineering materials. Once printed, these parts are immersed in water where their patterned sacrificial material is allowed to break away, leaving a mold that when cured and polished, is end-use ready immediately.
根据Massivit的说法，这种方法产生了“提高的准确性，一致性和更高的可靠性”部分，而比传统上用于创建大型复合构建的工具的浪费少。该公司还表示，巨大的10000比正常零件设计机制要快80％，需要少90％的人工运作，这使其成为“改变工具范式的破坏性霉菌解决方案”。
“By automating the mold production process, we’re able to offer manufacturers a way to dramatically cut their costs and reduce the associated material waste,” Zimerman added. “The snowballing demand for this digital molding solution is testament to the dire need for this technological milestone, and we are excited to offer it to the CAMX community in the lead up to the Massivit 10000 launch.”
3D printing formidably-sized molds
Outside industrial manufacturing circles, molds may seem like a low-key part of the production process, but their accuracy and durability can be key to the success or failure of their end-products. To improve the speed, scale and sustainability with which these molds can be produced, multiple commercial and academically-funded projects have now been commissioned into 3D printing them instead.
在这样一个倡议中，热伍德公司partnered with aviation firm钟to 3D print a20-foot helicopter blade mold。据信是有史以来最大的高压釜型工具，温度和高程耐压设备专门设计用于稳健斩波器零件的塑形和开发。
在其他地方，在更实验的层面上，研究人员苏黎世have sought to address similar architectural applications to those of Massivit, by creating a原型金属立面using 3D printed sand molds. Composed of 26 individual pieces and standing 3.5 meters tall, the ‘Deep Facade’ design was ultimately built from large-scale molded aluminum parts.
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Featured image shows an automotive bucket seat mold 3D printed using the new Massivit 10000 3D printer. Image via Massivit 3D.
