Desktop Metal launches Fiber 3D printer for continuous fiber 3D printing

You all know Desktop Metal for its metal 3D printers, designed to fit into an office environment with the Studio System and to also enable mass manufacture with the Production System. The U.S. manufacturer has announced the launch of a new machine that has nothing to do with metal. In fact, Fiber is a desktop 3D printer capable of creating high-resolution parts with industrial-grade continuous fiber composites. It uses a new process called micro Automated Fiber Placement (μAFP) technology, a technique designed specifically for composite materials. This new technology will enable users to produce solid parts in a wide range of materials at a lower cost compared to other traditional AFP processes.

Desktop Metal has raised $400 million in the last four years and continues to conquer the additive manufacturing market by turning to composite 3D printing, which are increasingly interesting for the sector because of their strength-to-weight ratio. In general, continuous fiber 3D printing is growing in the industry, companies such as 9T Labs, Anisoprint and moi composites are perfect examples of this. Desktop Metal has joined the race with its Fiber solution.

Desktop Metal’s Fiber 3D printer

Fiber, between FFF printing and AFP technology

Fiber is the first desktop printer that combines fused filament fabrication (FFF) with AFP technology. It uses a robotic tool changer, capable of storing up to 4 types of tools, including additional FFF print heads for different materials. According to Desktop Metal, the new machine can produce parts with materials twice as strong as steel, yet five times lighter. At the moment, two printer models are available via a subscription service with a minimum three-year commitment plan.