Revolutionizing 3D Printing Post-Processing: AMT’s Vision for Sustainable Digital Manufacturing at Formnext 2022
As Formnext, the premier international exhibition for additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing, draws near, the industry buzz intensifies with groundbreaking announcements from leading companies. The highly anticipated event in Frankfurt provides an unparalleled platform for innovators to unveil their latest advancements across all facets of 3D printing technology – from design and material science to manufacturing processes and crucial post-processing solutions. Among the key players poised to make a significant impact from November 15th to 18th is Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT). Renowned globally for its PostPro brand, dedicated to developing automated post-processing systems for 3D printed parts, AMT is eager to showcase its latest innovations and demonstrate its transformative potential to a global audience during Formnext week. Attendees are undoubtedly keen to discover what new solutions AMT will be presenting and how these will shape the future of industrial additive manufacturing.
AMT’s presence at Formnext will be hard to miss, strategically positioned at booth D39 in the prominent center aisle of Hall 12.1, alongside industry giants like HP and other vital 3D printing partners. This expansive nearly 200-square-meter exhibit space will be meticulously transformed into what AMT describes as the “Digital Manufacturing Factory of the Future” – a compelling concept illustrating the next evolution of post-processing for additive manufacturing. Visitors to the AMT booth will embark on a journey through the future of streamlined production, witnessing a comprehensive display that includes the advanced PostPro DP Max cleaning system, multiple state-of-the-art SF chemical vapor smoothing solutions, dedicated meeting spaces for in-depth discussions, and a central stage hosting daily presentations by AMT’s experts. Furthermore, the company will highlight its revolutionary end-to-end integrated post-processing system, the Digital Manufacturing System (DMS), and introduce a groundbreaking new Polypropylene Surface Finishing system – PostPro SF PP. This showcase is an absolute must-see for anyone attending the trade show, eager to explore enhanced efficiency and sustainability in additive manufacturing.
AMT’s booth at Formnext 2022, showcasing advanced automated post-processing solutions.
What’s New from AMT at Formnext 2022: Pushing the Boundaries of Post-Processing
One of the most significant and eagerly anticipated innovations AMT will present at Formnext is the development of a revolutionary sustainable chemistry specifically designed for the vapor smoothing of 3D printed parts. This pioneering solution, aptly named PostPro Pure, represents a monumental leap forward in eco-friendly additive manufacturing. PostPro Pure boasts FDA approval and is currently patent-pending, setting a new industry standard. This cutting-edge chemistry will be readily available for integration into AMT’s acclaimed Surface Finishing (SF) systems starting in 2023. It stands as a genuine ‘green’ substitute, the culmination of several years of intensive research and rigorous testing by AMT’s dedicated team of scientists. This innovative, environmentally conscious solution is not merely a product launch; it is a cornerstone for AMT, directly aligning with the company’s deeply ingrained corporate environmental responsibility goals and commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the additive manufacturing ecosystem.
PostPro Pure is engineered as a fully green chemistry, emphasizing its sustainably manufactured origins and unparalleled environmental profile. It is meticulously formulated to be non-toxic, ensuring user safety and minimal ecological impact. Furthermore, its non-halogenated composition makes it safer for disposal and reduces concerns regarding harmful byproducts. Critically, PostPro Pure is readily biodegradable, preventing persistent environmental contamination, and is classified as a non-marine pollutant, safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. Its food-grade certification opens up new avenues for applications in sensitive industries, providing a versatile and safe finishing solution. Remarkably, this advanced chemistry also benefits from having no current regulatory restrictions, facilitating its broad adoption across various sectors. Dr. Konstantin Rybalcenko, AMT’s Head of R&D, emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between additive manufacturing and sustainability: “There is a distinct connection between additive manufacturing and sustainability, as it is an undeniably greener alternative to traditional manufacturing methods. The Additive Manufacturing community at large is the driving movement toward a more sustainable future for mass production, and AMT’s systems and solutions are at the cutting edge of these efforts.” This powerful statement underscores AMT’s dedication to leading the charge toward a more sustainable industrial future. Formnext attendees will have the unique opportunity to visit AMT’s booth and witness firsthand the impressive surface finishing results achieved with PostPro Pure on parts spanning a wide range of industries and materials.
PostPro Pure, AMT’s new FDA-approved sustainable chemistry, setting new standards for eco-friendly 3D printing post-processing.
In addition to the sustainable chemistry, AMT will unveil a significant update to its acclaimed surface finishing systems, specifically engineered for optimal compatibility and performance with polypropylene (PP). This specialized solution, abbreviated as PostPro SF PP, represents a comprehensively redesigned vapor smoothing method poised to become the industry’s leading surface finishing solution for polypropylene 3D printed parts. Polypropylene, known for its excellent chemical resistance, flexibility, and fatigue strength, presents unique challenges in post-processing due to its semi-crystalline nature and often rough surface finish directly from the printer. PostPro SF PP addresses these challenges head-on, significantly enhancing the aesthetic and functional properties of PP parts. The efficacy and reliability of PostPro SF PP have been rigorously tested and validated by many of the industry’s most respected material producers, including BASF Forward AM, Ricoh, and AM Polymers, ensuring its robustness and compatibility. This advanced material and post-processing combination has already demonstrated remarkable success in demanding medical applications, such as the production of prosthetic devices, thereby proving its effectiveness and reliability within highly regulated and critical industries. Just as with the PostPro Pure chemistry, AMT’s booth at Formnext will feature a dedicated display wall for PostPro SF PP, showcasing a diverse collection of parts that have undergone this transformative smoothing technology, allowing visitors to inspect the superior finish and quality achievable.
Finally, the company will provide an immersive experience of its innovative End-to-End Digital Manufacturing System (DMS). As its name clearly suggests, the DMS is a fully integrated post-processing system meticulously designed to enable the seamless and efficient serial manufacturing of 3D printed parts from start to finish. This comprehensive system consolidates multiple post-processing stages into a single, automated workflow, significantly reducing manual intervention and improving throughput. The DMS method encompasses automated depowdering, ensuring thorough removal of excess material without damaging delicate part geometries; advanced chemical vapor smoothing, which refines surface aesthetics and enhances mechanical properties; and integrated part sorting and inspection, providing quality control and preparation for subsequent stages. Visitors to AMT’s booth will be treated to a captivating live robotic demonstration, offering a dynamic view of the complete end-to-end post-processing workflow in action. This demonstration will highlight the system’s precision, efficiency, and ability to handle high-volume production, showcasing how AMT is paving the way for truly industrial-scale additive manufacturing.
A Unique Opportunity to Experience the Digital Manufacturing Factory of the Future
Joseph Crabtree, AMT CEO and Founder, shared his excitement and vision: “As the AM Industry transitions towards end part production at scale, it is super important that we provide solutions to our customers that enable them to successfully complete this journey. Our overriding vision is to enable 3D Printing as a true manufacturing technology, and the concepts that we are demonstrating at Formnext go a long way to showing how far we have come in achieving our vision. We look forward to welcoming you all to our booth next week.” Crabtree’s statement perfectly encapsulates AMT’s commitment to supporting the industry’s evolution from prototyping to full-scale, end-use part production. The solutions showcased at Formnext are not just incremental improvements; they represent foundational technologies crucial for the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing in mainstream industrial applications.
The PostPro SF PP system for advanced polypropylene finishing (left) and the fully integrated AMT DMS for end-to-end digital manufacturing (right).
Indeed, as we’ve explored, the AMT booth (12.1 – D39) at Formnext promises a wealth of exciting products, innovative applications, and invaluable insights for all attendees. Beyond the impressive display of automated post-processing solutions, visitors will also have the unique chance to participate in engaging and informative talks presented by the company’s leading experts on their dedicated stage. These presentations will cover a diverse array of topics, including deep dives into product developments, detailed case studies illustrating real-world applications, and explorations of various industry-specific challenges and solutions. All these sessions are thoughtfully designed to educate and inform attendees about the comprehensive suite of technology AMT offers, while also powerfully demonstrating the transformative capabilities of the PostPro brand within the rapidly expanding additive manufacturing sector. As an additional highlight, AMT will be hosting its highly anticipated second Offsite Networking Event at the exclusive Chinaski Club on the evening of Wednesday, November 16th. This provides a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and foster collaborations in a relaxed and engaging environment. If you are interested in attending this exclusive event, please make sure to sign up HERE. For more detailed information about AMT, its pioneering technologies, and its full presence at Formnext, interested parties can find additional resources HERE.
Are you planning to visit AMT at Formnext this year? Which of their groundbreaking innovations are you most excited to discover at their booth? We invite you to share your thoughts and expectations in a comment below or engage with us on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t miss out on the latest 3D printing news and insights – remember to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, delivered straight to your inbox! You can also explore all our informative videos and engaging content on our YouTube channel.
*Cover Photo: AMT’s DMS – Automated robotic parts handling, showcasing advanced efficiency in additive manufacturing post-processing (photo credits: AMT).