German ceramic 3D printing firm Munich-based StoneFlower3D has launched a laboratory-scale 3D printer geared toward researchers working with concrete, mortars, clays and different mineral-based supplies.
The system handles each single-component and two-component formulations, with construct volumes configured to order. Printable dimensions vary from 50 cm to 300 cm throughout totally different axes, relying on the setup.
Supplies that may be processed embrace concrete mixtures, mortars with aggregates as much as 6 mm, fiber-reinforced concrete or clays containing fibers as much as 30 mm in size, in addition to foamed concrete, porcelain, earth and biomaterials. The system works with digitally managed steady mortar or plaster pumps alongside smaller piston extruders.
The blending print head can course of one or two quickly curing parts, comparable to cement mixed with an accelerator. Materials move can attain 3 liters per minute, with printing speeds as much as 150 mm per second.
Industrial reliability within the lab
The mechanical framework consists of hardened stainless-steel linear guides, CCM belt drives and Duet 6HC electronics. Operators can management the system by a 7-inch coloration touchscreen or remotely through net interface. It runs on customary Marlin or Repetier-type G-code and integrates with widespread slicing software program together with Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier, Slic3R, SuperSlicer and PrusaSlicer. Every set up ships with Cura and a configuration file.
For materials supply, customers can go for an automatic concrete pump that handles move charges as much as 10 liters per minute and pressures reaching 40 bar whereas accommodating aggregates as much as 6 mm. A 5-liter ram extruder can also be accessible for integration. For functions requiring regular materials transport, there’s a steady mortar pump utilizing a progressive cavity unit.
The system is meant for analysis, prototyping and small-series manufacturing somewhat than structural certification or full-scale building deployment.
Most laboratory-scale concrete printing methods face materials and stress constraints that restrict how effectively experiments translate to building situations. Analysis platforms typically use diminished combination sizes or low-pressure extrusion strategies that differ considerably from on-site pumping environments. These variations can have an effect on how formulations carry out as soon as they’re scaled past the lab.
This platform takes a special method. By accommodating aggregates as much as 6 mm and dealing with pumping methods rated to 40 bar, it permits researchers to check cementitious and mineral formulations beneath situations nearer to precise discipline workflows, whereas staying inside a managed laboratory setting.
The bottom configuration (printer body + mixing print head) begins at roughly €14,500 web and consists of operator coaching. Clients requesting a quote should specify construct quantity, most popular pump sort + supply deal with.
| Laboratory-scale 3D printer specs | |
| Construction | high-grade aluminium alloy, painted metal |
| Dimensions and weight | horizontal efficient stroke size + 70cm, top = 2 x efficient printing top + 50cm. The house required for the printer with printing quantity 100 x 100 x 100cm (WxDxH) is 170 x 170 x 250cm. Weight 350kg |
| Energy necessities | 110-230V AC, 1000W |
| Appropriate supplies | concrete mixtures, mortars with combination dimension as much as 6mm, fiber bolstered concrete or clays (fiber size as much as 30 mm), foamedconcrete, clay, porcelain, earth, biomaterials |
| Printing velocity | width, depth: as much as 150mm/s; top: as much as 15mm/s, feed price as much as 5L/min |
| Enter recordsdata | Marlin/Repetier-type G-code |
| Appropriate slicers | Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier, Slic3R, SuperSlicer, PrusaSlicer. A ready-to-use Cura configuration is offered upon set up |
| Interface | Ethernet, USB, SD card slot with recordsdata and printer settings. 7-inch colourful contact display, net interface. Within the native community, the printer might be accessed by the web-browser with its personal IP deal with. The printing might be launched, managed, paused, and resumed each, from the printer console, and remotely. |
| Printing mattress | dry-wall, plywood, or hips plate, positioned on the palette (12-17cm tall). The printed objects might be simply relocated with pallet truck or forklift |
| Appropriate pumps | progressive cavity mortar pump, ram extruder (syringe pump) as much as 5L |
| Multimaterial print head 1/2K specs | |
| Motor | Stepper motor Nema 23, 3A |
| Materials | stainless-steel SS304 |
| Mortar inlet | 1 inch (BSP), 1inch tri-clamp connector |
| Accelerator inlet | 3/8inch (BSP), 12mm push-in hose connector, back-flow valve |
| Inside diameter | 48mm |
| Normal nozzle diameter | 35 mm |
| Top of the print head | 365 mm |
| Weight | 4.5kg |
| Concrete pump specs | |
| Mannequin | PM-AGT-3000M |
| Motor energy | 3000W, 220V AC |
| Safety | 30 A |
| Most tire stress | 2.5 bar |
| Safety class | IP54 |
| Max. move price | 10.0L/min |
| Max. working stress | 40 bar |
| Most grains dimension | 4-6mm |
| Hopper capability | 55L |
| Mortar hose size | 15 m (25 mm) |
| Air hose size | 15 m (12 x 8 mm) |
| System dimensions | 1150 x 570 x 670 [mm] |
The 3D Printing Trade Awards are again. Make your nominations now.
Do you use a 3D printing start-up? Attain readers, potential traders, and prospects with the 3D Printing Trade Begin-up of Yr competitors.
To remain updated with the newest 3D printing information, don’t overlook to subscribe to the 3D Printing Trade e-newsletter or observe us on LinkedIn.
When you’re right here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? That includes dialogue, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.
Featured picture exhibits Dr. Anatoly Berezkin CEO of StoneFlower3D beside the newly launched 3D printer. Photograph through StoneFlower3D.