HARP 3D printer delivers record throughput in 3D printing

Researchers at Northwestern University in Illinois have developed a new 3D printer that can supposedly print at record speed, around half a yard (46 cm) per hour, a ground-breaking throughput in the world of 3D printing. The system is known as HARP (High-Area Rapid Printing) and is based on a patent-pending version of SLA technology.

Today, Carbon’s CLIP technology can be considered one of the fastest on the market. The CLIP approach shines ultraviolet light through a window into a space filled with liquid resin. The window allows oxygen to enter the liquid resin, as a result this creates a zone that resists curing, whilst above this zone the resin hardens when it comes into contact with the ultraviolet light. At the same time, a robotic attachment pulls out the solidified resin from the resin tank. The speed and strength of this technology has meant that many companies such as Adidas, Riddell or Ford have worked with Carbon to manufacture parts. However, one limitation remains: objects can be no larger than 41.4 cm by 25.9 cm at the cross section.

HARP 3D printing process | Credits: Northwest University

HARP’s technology can increase the throughput in 3D printing

This is what HARP’s 3D printing process could overcome. Often, the pursuit of larger parts can come at the cost of speed, throughput or resolution, but it shouldn’t be the case with this new technology. In fact, the prototype HARP technology is 13-feet tall with a 2.5 square-foot print bed and can print about half a yard (46 cm) in an hour. Chad A.Mirkin, who led the product’s development explains: “3D printing is conceptually powerful but has been limited practically. If we could print fast without limitations on materials and size, we could revolutionize manufacturing. HARP is poised to do that.”