Epson Officially Enters the 3D Printing Market

It’s hard not to have heard of the Japanese group Epson, especially when it comes to 2D printers. And today, it particularly interested us because the electronics giant is taking an unexpected turn in the additive manufacturing market. The company is expected to unveil its first 3D printer in two days at the International Robot Exhibition 2022, 8 years after a first announcement made by its president, Minoru Usui, to move into the market. This new solution is an industrial machine based on an extrusion process. The main difference is the use of a flat screw as a nozzle to expand the range of materials available and the amount of material deposited.

In January 2014, on the occasion of the group’s 30th anniversary, Minoru Usui had revealed his intentions to enter the 3D printing market within the next 5 years. At the time, Epson considered that the technology still had many limitations, particularly in terms of compatible materials. Since then, the market has evolved significantly and we only need to see the number of companies specialized in 2D that have taken the gamble of moving into additive manufacturing. There is of course HP which is a major player in the industry, but also Canon and Xerox. It is now Epson’s turn to market its new machine after internal use.

The Epson machine is based on an extrusion process (photo credits: Epson)

Epson has remained rather discreet about this new industrial 3D printer. We know that it will be based on an extrusion method made possible by a flat screw. The manufacturer specifies that it is the same as found on its injection molding machines – so these are proven and reliable components. The use of such a screw especially allows to widen the range of compatible materials by proposing a 3D printing based on granules, plastic or metallic, but also from high performance polymers like PEEK. The manufacturer states in its press release: