Startup of the Month: 3D MicroPrint

A well-known German company in the 3D printing industry is EOS. EOS have been in the 3D printing industry for more than 25 years, and pioneered laser sintering technologies. EOS recently cooperated with another company to create a new innovative startup in 2013, called 3D MicroPrint. When we heard of their fascinating new microlaser sintering technologies, we knew we had to interview them. Therefore, here is our interview with 3D MicroPrint about what they do, their goals for the future, and more!

3DN: Could you introduce the 3D MicroPrint in more detail?

CEO Joachim Göbner

The 3D MicroPrint GmbH was founded in 2013 in Chemnitz (Germany) as a result of a cooperation between the EOS GmbH and the 3D-Micromac AG. Our procedure Microlaser sintering (MLS) combines the two worlds of additive manufacturing and laser micro machining. As a 3D MicroPrint GmbH, we have taken this process to an industrial level and continue to develop the technology. We specialize in the development, manufacture and sale of MLS machines, as well as the production of micro-metal parts through micro laser sintering.

3DN: What is behind the ‘micro laser sintering’ technology, and how does it differ from other 3D printing technologies?

Microlaser sintering is a powder bed process in which the component is built up layer by layer. An infrared fiber laser is used to melt the powder, which is focused on a spot diameter smaller than 30 μm. The biggest difference to conventional additive manufacturing by means of laser sintering lies in the powder particle size used. The powder is smaller by a factor of 10 smaller than conventionally used powder sizes with a powder particle size less than or equal to 5 μm. As a result, a much finer resolution of the components can be achieved. Currently, this resolution is unique for metal components worldwide.