AON-M2 2020, a high-temperature machine compatible with hundreds of materials

Canadian manufacturer AON3D has just launched a new industrial machine, AON-M2 2020, compatible with a wide range of thermoplastics including high performance materials such as PEEK, PEKK and ULTEM. Equipped with a fairly generous build volume of 454 x 454 x 640 mm, the 3D printer will meet the needs of many industrial companies who seek to create parts that are resistant to aggressive chemicals, extreme temperatures and intense mechanical stress. The machine is an open manufacturing platform, allowing different materials to be used to address the needs of a wide range of users worldwide.

The Canadian company made its market debut in 2015 with its first machine, the AON-M2, compatible with a variety of engineering thermoplastics too. Since then, the manufacturer’s goal has been to provide an open and reliable platform for creating functional prototypes and finished parts. Today, with the development of the AON-M2 2020, it is taking it to the next level by integrating more than a hundred thermoplastics, from ABS, PEKK to Nylon or Polycarbonate. Andrew Walker, R&D Director of AON3D, explains: “We are seeing a growing demand for an additive manufacturing platform that can print the strongest thermoplastics, as well as an increasing recognition that reaching the maximum mechanical property potential for any part-material combination is a challenge best met with expert support. The AON-M2 2020 is the bedrock of a complete solution we offer customers for getting from CAD file to end-use parts, without sacrificing affordability.”

A part made from Solvay KetaSpire® AM FILAMENT CF10 LS1, a carbon fiber-loaded PEEK material

3D printing of parts with high performance materials involves some temperature management, and this is done through three different elements: the build plate, the extrusion and the build chamber. The AON-M2 2020 printer offers an extrusion temperature of 470°C to ensure good layer bonding and part stability. Its print chamber can reach 135°C to maintain a strong interlayer bond and prevent shrinkage. Finally, the plate heats up to 200°C to ensure optimal adhesion. It therefore offers optimized temperature management for designing any type of part.