3DGence Unveils INDUSTRY F421: Advancing High-Performance Industrial FFF 3D Printing with AS9100 PEEK for Demanding Industries

European additive manufacturing pioneer 3DGence has announced a significant expansion to its industrial FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) lineup with the introduction of the new INDUSTRY F421. This state-of-the-art machine is engineered to be fully compatible with high-performance materials, positioning it as a critical tool for sectors demanding the utmost in precision, durability, and reliability, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical. Complementing this powerful new hardware, 3DGence has also launched AS9100, an aerospace-grade PEEK filament, certified for stringent use in aerospace and defense applications. This strategic double launch underscores 3DGence’s commitment to enabling the reliable and repeatable 3D printing of high-performance, finished parts, fundamentally transforming how complex components are manufactured across various industries.

The landscape of additive manufacturing is continuously evolving, with industrial users increasingly seeking solutions that offer enhanced productivity through streamlined, automated, and easily deployable processes. Beyond operational efficiency, there’s a growing demand for advanced materials that deliver exceptional mechanical and chemical properties, while still facilitating the creation of intricate geometries at a cost-effective price point. FFF technology, particularly when optimized for high-performance polymers, presents a compelling alternative to traditional manufacturing methods. It offers an affordable entry into manufacturing complex parts with materials that boast superior heat resistance, remarkable strength, and significant weight reduction compared to traditional metals. Recognizing this critical market need, numerous industry players are investing in and developing sophisticated FFF solutions, with 3DGence leading the charge in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with high-performance polymer extrusion.

The INDUSTRY F421: Setting New Standards in High-Performance FFF 3D Printing

Building upon the success of its predecessor, the INDUSTRY F420, introduced in November 2019 as a rapid solution for high-performance materials, the new 3DGence INDUSTRY F421 represents a significant evolutionary step. The manufacturer has implemented comprehensive improvements across several critical areas, including enhanced mechanics, upgraded components, advanced safety features, and a more streamlined workflow. Designed for industrial excellence, the F421 boasts an impressive print volume of 380 x 380 x 420 mm, coupled with an exceptional printing speed of up to 400 mm/s. These specifications make it an ideal choice for manufacturing large, complex parts efficiently.

Key features integrated into the INDUSTRY F421 underscore its industrial capabilities and user-centric design. It incorporates a precisely controlled heated chamber, crucial for successfully printing high-temperature thermoplastics by managing thermal stresses and preventing warping. The system also includes interchangeable print modules, offering unparalleled flexibility to adapt to various material requirements and application needs, from standard polymers to highly specialized composites. Furthermore, a robust filtration system is built-in to ensure operator safety and maintain a clean working environment, especially when processing advanced materials that may release ultrafine particles. The printer’s broad material compatibility extends to demanding composite materials, PEEK, ULTEM, and PEKK, making it a versatile asset for diverse industrial applications.

Mateusz Sidorowicz, 3DGence’s Marketing Director, elaborated on the strategic vision behind the F421: “Our latest iteration of the INDUSTRY portfolio was primarily driven by the imperative for sequential printing of end-use parts, particularly with a focus on Industry Certified materials such as AS9100 PEEK, ULTEM™, and specialized advanced materials for medical applications. We have meticulously optimized the rigid kinematic system to facilitate high-speed, high-accuracy dual-head printing. A higher, constant chamber temperature ensures consistent print quality, while the extrusion system has been re-engineered for full-composite readiness with extended durability. The new tablet-oriented screen enhances the user experience with a more intuitive and user-friendly workflow.” This statement highlights 3DGence’s dedication to meeting the rigorous demands of industrial production, where material certification, precision, and efficiency are paramount.

AS9100 Certified PEEK: Bridging the Gap for Aerospace Additive Manufacturing

In a move that significantly strengthens its offering for highly regulated industries, 3DGence is introducing a new PEEK filament specifically certified for aerospace applications. PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is already well-regarded in demanding sectors for its exceptional mechanical strength, superior anti-corrosive properties, and remarkable resistance to high temperatures and flames. Despite these inherent advantages, the often complex and time-consuming certification process has historically posed a significant barrier to its widespread adoption in additive manufacturing, especially when the goal is to produce flight-ready, finished parts. With this AS9100-certified PEEK, 3DGence aims to dismantle these obstacles, providing manufacturers with a material solution that meets the most stringent quality and traceability requirements.

The AS9100 certification is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems in the aerospace industry, built upon ISO 9001. Achieving this certification for a 3D printing filament signifies that 3DGence’s PEEK production adheres to the highest levels of quality assurance, process control, and material traceability – all critical factors for aerospace and defense components where failure is not an option. This certification provides unparalleled confidence to engineers and designers looking to leverage the benefits of additive manufacturing for crucial applications, from structural components to intricate interior parts. The ability to print with a certified PEEK filament opens up new possibilities for lightweighting, part consolidation, and rapid iteration of designs in an industry where every gram and every qualification matters.

Ron Faruqui, CEO of 3DGence Americas, emphasized the importance of this development: “At 3DGence, we are actively supporting our customers across various industries in broadening the application of high-temperature and composite materials for end-use parts. They now have the capability to rapidly prototype and produce proof-of-concept end-parts in PEEK – without any doubt regarding the compliance and qualification of the material.” This assurance of compliance is transformative, allowing companies to accelerate their development cycles and deploy advanced materials with confidence. The new PEEK filament further boasts an impressive operating temperature of up to 260°C, extending its utility in environments subject to extreme thermal conditions.

Towards Greater Automation, Reliability, and an Integrated Workflow

Recognizing that successful industrial additive manufacturing goes beyond just the printer and material, 3DGence has also focused on creating an ecosystem that ensures repeatable, reliable, and automated production. To this end, the company has developed its Management Material System (MMS). This innovative solution is designed to meticulously store, prepare, and post-process materials, particularly high-performance filaments, which require special handling due to their hygroscopic nature and sensitivity to environmental conditions. Improper handling or preparation of these advanced polymers can significantly compromise the mechanical properties and overall performance of the final part, leading to costly failures and wasted resources. The MMS system’s primary objective is to provide comprehensive support for the printing and management of industrial-quality parts, minimizing user error and maximizing print success rates.

The MMS streamlines the entire material workflow, from initial storage in controlled environments to pre-drying and conditioning, ensuring that the filament is always in optimal condition for printing. This holistic approach to material management is crucial for achieving consistent part quality and leveraging the full potential of high-performance materials like PEEK, ULTEM, and PEKK. By automating many of these critical preparatory steps, 3DGence empowers users to focus on design and production, safe in the knowledge that their materials are perfectly primed for the demanding FFF process. This integration of hardware, certified materials, and an intelligent material management system forms a complete industrial solution, significantly enhancing the overall reliability and efficiency of additive manufacturing for critical applications.

Furthermore, 3DGence is demonstrating its strong commitment to customer satisfaction and long-term reliability by offering an extended 3-year warranty on its INDUSTRY F421 and F350 machines. This enhanced warranty will roll out starting in 2022 for select European markets, with wider availability in 2023. While specific regions for the extended warranty are yet to be announced, this initiative clearly signals the manufacturer’s confidence in the durability and performance of its industrial-grade printers. By providing unparalleled support and focusing on increased productivity through robust solutions, 3DGence aims to deliver the best possible user experience, fostering greater adoption of industrial FFF technology across the globe. Industry professionals will have the opportunity to learn more about the new 3DGence machine HERE and experience the cutting-edge technology live at upcoming events like Hannover Messe.

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