AON3D AON-M2 2020: Unleashing Industrial Power with High-Performance Thermoplastics

Canadian manufacturer AON3D has officially unveiled its latest innovation in additive manufacturing: the AON-M2 2020 industrial 3D printer. This cutting-edge machine is engineered to support an exceptionally broad spectrum of thermoplastics, including an impressive array of high-performance engineering materials such as PEEK, PEKK, and ULTEM. With its generous build volume of 454 x 454 x 640 mm, the AON-M2 2020 is meticulously designed to cater to the rigorous demands of industrial sectors. It empowers companies to produce functional parts that exhibit extraordinary resistance to aggressive chemicals, extreme temperatures, and intense mechanical stresses, making it an indispensable tool for advanced manufacturing. Furthermore, its philosophy as an open manufacturing platform ensures unparalleled flexibility, allowing users worldwide to leverage diverse materials and optimize their processes to meet specific application requirements without proprietary limitations.

AON3D’s journey in the additive manufacturing landscape began in 2015 with the introduction of its inaugural machine, the original AON-M2. From its inception, the company’s core mission has been to deliver a robust, open, and reliable platform for creating both functional prototypes and robust end-use parts. This commitment to innovation and user empowerment is deeply embedded in the company’s DNA. Today, with the launch of the AON-M2 2020, AON3D is elevating its capabilities to an unprecedented level. The new machine is compatible with over a hundred different thermoplastics, spanning from common engineering plastics like ABS and Polycarbonate to advanced materials such as PEKK and Nylon, offering unmatched versatility. Andrew Walker, AON3D’s R&D Director, eloquently explains the driving force behind this advancement: “We are observing a rapidly increasing demand for an additive manufacturing platform capable of printing the strongest thermoplastics available. Simultaneously, there’s a growing recognition that achieving the maximum mechanical property potential for any specific part-material combination often requires expert support and a sophisticated platform. The AON-M2 2020 serves as the fundamental bedrock of a comprehensive solution we offer to our customers, enabling them to transition seamlessly from a CAD file directly to high-quality end-use parts, all while maintaining a strong focus on affordability and accessibility.” This statement underscores the company’s dual commitment to advanced material processing and practical, cost-effective solutions for industrial applications.

Precision Engineering: Advanced Thermal Management for High-Performance Polymers

The successful 3D printing of parts using high-performance materials, such as PEEK or ULTEM, is fundamentally reliant on precise and sophisticated temperature management. The AON-M2 2020 addresses this critical requirement through a meticulously engineered system involving three distinct and interconnected thermal elements: the build plate, the extrusion system, and the build chamber. The printer boasts an impressive maximum extrusion temperature of 470°C. This extreme heat is crucial for melting and extruding high-temperature polymers effectively, ensuring optimal material flow and, more importantly, promoting robust layer bonding. This robust bonding is paramount for achieving the mechanical integrity and dimensional stability that are characteristic of high-performance parts. Without sufficient extrusion temperature, layers would delaminate, compromising the part’s strength and reliability.

Complementing the high extrusion temperature, the AON-M2 2020 features a heated print chamber capable of reaching a steady 135°C. The importance of a heated chamber for advanced materials cannot be overstated. High-performance polymers often have high glass transition temperatures and can be prone to warping or cracking if cooled too rapidly or unevenly. By maintaining an elevated ambient temperature within the build chamber, the printer minimizes thermal gradients during the printing process. This controlled thermal environment is essential for sustaining a strong interlayer bond, effectively preventing shrinkage-induced stresses and ensuring that the final part exhibits superior mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy. This thoughtful temperature management helps to mitigate common challenges associated with printing industrial-grade materials.

Finally, to ensure an optimal foundation for every print, the build plate of the AON-M2 2020 can be heated up to 200°C. Initial layer adhesion is a make-or-break factor in 3D printing, especially when dealing with expensive and demanding materials. A high-temperature build plate ensures that the first layers of the printed part adhere perfectly to the surface, preventing lifting, warping, or detachment during the printing process. This robust adhesion is critical for maintaining print consistency and ensuring the successful fabrication of intricate and large parts. The synergistic operation of these three temperature control systems—extrusion, chamber, and build plate—allows the AON-M2 2020 to offer truly optimized thermal management, enabling the design and production of virtually any type of part, regardless of material complexity or geometric intricacy.

Enhanced Performance and Design Excellence for Industrial Demands

The AON-M2 2020 is not just an iteration but a significant leap forward, building upon the established strengths of its predecessor while introducing substantial improvements. With its impressive print volume of 454 x 454 x 640 mm, the machine provides ample space for producing large, single-piece components or batch manufacturing smaller parts efficiently. This substantial build envelope significantly expands the range of possible applications, from large-scale prototyping to the production of industrial-grade tools and fixtures. Speed is another critical factor in industrial additive manufacturing, and the AON-M2 2020 delivers with a maximum travel speed of 500 mm per second, drastically reducing print times and enhancing throughput. Furthermore, the incorporation of two independent extruders is a game-changer for creating more complex geometries. These dual extruders enable the use of soluble support materials, allowing for the fabrication of intricate internal structures, steep overhangs, and highly detailed features that would be impossible with a single extruder, thereby unlocking new design possibilities.

The design enhancements in the AON-M2 2020 reflect a deep understanding of industrial requirements and a commitment to precision. Kevin Han, CEO of AON3D, highlights these crucial improvements: “From the meticulously engineered all stainless-steel frame, designed to virtually eliminate thermal expansion and maintain unparalleled dimensional stability throughout long print jobs, to the completely redesigned chamber heater that offers exceptionally precise control of the thermal environment and heats up to operating temperature in less than 15 minutes, the AON-M2 2020 represents an exciting and monumental step-up for AON3D.” These structural and thermal innovations are not merely incremental; they are foundational to the machine’s ability to consistently produce high-quality parts with demanding materials. The stainless-steel frame’s inherent stability ensures repeatable accuracy, while the rapid and precise chamber heating system minimizes downtime and optimizes energy consumption. Han further emphasizes the company’s broader commitment: “We are thrilled to continue offering our customers not just the widest range of material options for their diverse applications, but also a depth of materials expertise that extends far beyond the machine design itself. This holistic approach ensures that our customers receive comprehensive support, from selecting the right material to optimizing print parameters for their specific needs.”

An Open Ecosystem: Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

A cornerstone of the AON-M2 2020’s appeal is its design as a truly open industrial platform. AON3D recognized early on the critical importance of collaboration within the additive manufacturing ecosystem. To that end, the company has proactively forged strong partnerships with leading raw material and material manufacturers. This collaborative approach has resulted in a remarkably wide and ever-expanding range of material solutions available to users, eliminating the typical vendor lock-in often found in proprietary systems. This strategy empowers users with unparalleled freedom to choose the best material for their specific application, rather than being limited to a restricted selection. Key players in this collaborative network include industry giants such as Solvay, renowned for its high-performance polymers; SABIC, a global leader in chemicals and diverse plastics; Kimya, specializing in advanced filament development; DSM, a multinational science-based company in nutrition, health, and sustainable living; and Infinite Material Solutions, known for its innovative support materials and engineering plastics. These partnerships ensure that AON-M2 2020 users have access to the latest advancements in material science, guaranteeing optimal performance and opening doors to innovative applications across various industries.

Diverse Applications: Driving Industrial Transformation

The versatility and robust capabilities of the AON-M2 2020 make it an invaluable asset across numerous industrial applications. Its ability to print with high-performance materials allows it to address critical needs where conventional manufacturing methods may fall short or be excessively costly. For tooling, the AON-M2 2020 can produce custom molds, dies, and fixtures with high precision and durability, significantly reducing lead times and costs compared to traditional machining. In the realm of jigs and fixtures, it enables rapid creation of bespoke components that enhance manufacturing efficiency and quality control on production lines. Beyond these supporting roles, the machine excels at fabricating critical end-use parts, particularly in sectors like aerospace, automotive, medical, and defense, where components must withstand harsh operating environments, extreme temperatures, and aggressive chemicals. The ability to print parts from materials like PEEK and ULTEM means engineers can design and produce lightweight, strong, and highly resistant components directly for functional deployment. Furthermore, for rapid prototyping, the AON-M2 2020 significantly accelerates product development cycles by allowing designers and engineers to quickly iterate and test functional prototypes with production-grade materials, gaining valuable insights before committing to mass production. This comprehensive capability positions the AON-M2 2020 as a pivotal technology for driving industrial transformation, fostering innovation, and delivering tangible competitive advantages.

The AON-M2 2020 is now available for order directly from the manufacturer’s website. You can explore its full specifications and place your order HERE.

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