2023-11-23 17:07:54
Z3Dlabs has acquired the new MAT 3D printer from 3DCeram. It demonstrated this multi-technology device during the Precision Fair. Initially, Z3Dlabs will print silicon carbide with the new machine. In addition, it will further develop the Cordierite material for applications in, among others, the semiconductor and aerospace industries.
The French 3DCeram has introduced the Multi Additive Technoloy (MAT) printer at Formnext. It is more than a 3D printer for ceramic powder filled filament. The extruder can easily be exchanged for a CNC tool and a head for robocasting.
Rapidly print silicon carbide prototypes
Quickly test material properties
Zerafet Tenwolde-Cansizoglu, founder and CEO of Z3Dlabs, wants to initially use the new machine for printing prototypes to accelerate application development. With the new printer, test pieces are quickly available. “When it comes to difficult materials, you can study and test the properties more quickly. If it works, we can make the step to SLA for production.” The first material the Dutch company is working with is silicon carbide. Other materials will also be possible in the future, such as aluminum oxide and possibly zirconium oxide.
Finishing in soft state
This concerns filament that contains at least 50% powder content with the material in question. The parts therefore have to be baked out. 3DCeram has succeeded in integrating the debinding step into the sintering step. According to 3DCeram, the advantage of the CNC tool that turns the MAT printer into a 3-axis milling machine is that you can post-process the parts while they are still just sintered for higher surface accuracy. In this state the materials are softer.
Extremely low thermal conductivity
3DCeram has developed the Cordierite material for applications that require very low thermal conductivity and coefficient of expansion. Z3Dlabs will offer this material for the Dutch semiconductor and aerospace industry markets in a new building in Oirschot.
Semiconductor industry
Particularly because of its extremely low coefficient of expansion, this ceramic powder is suitable for applications in the semiconductor industry, where thermal expansions are wanted to be reduced to an absolute minimum. The material is also suitable for vacuum applications.
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