Namma Unveils Next-Gen Hybrid & IDEX 3D Printers: LUCY 300Y & ANA 300X for Industrial Additive Manufacturing

The landscape of additive manufacturing continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by the need for greater efficiency, precision, and versatility in industrial production. At the forefront of this innovation is Namma, a Bordeaux-based start-up that made waves in 2021 with the introduction of EVA, an industrial multiprocess machine capable of producing complex parts from metal, polymer, and composite materials. Three years later, Namma is once again poised to redefine industrial manufacturing. The company has significantly strengthened its portfolio with two groundbreaking additional models, strategically positioning itself in both hybrid manufacturing and IDEX (Independent Dual Extruder) 3D printing. These new solutions are specifically engineered to meet the increasingly demanding requirements of industrial users, promising enhanced productivity, expanded material capabilities, and superior part quality. Namma is set to unveil these cutting-edge innovations, LUCY 300Y and ANA 300X, for the first time on the international stage at Formnext 2024, offering a glimpse into the future of advanced manufacturing.

In today’s competitive additive manufacturing market, there’s a growing trend among industry players to offer comprehensive solutions that integrate multiple production methods. This strategic convergence aims to drastically shorten manufacturing times, streamline workflows, and provide a true turnkey system for businesses. By combining the strengths of 3D printing with complementary processes such as CNC machining or laser engraving, manufacturers can unlock an unparalleled range of production possibilities. This hybrid approach promises not only high-quality results but also the ability to achieve exceptionally high technical specifications. The synergy of these diverse techniques empowers industries to design and produce more complex, larger-format parts with intricate internal structures and superior surface finishes, all while rigorously adhering to the stringent demands of modern industrial sectors like aerospace, automotive, medical, and tooling. It was precisely this need for expanded capabilities and integrated solutions that Namma addressed with its original EVA model, a pioneering machine featuring interchangeable tool-heads designed to broaden the scope of additive manufacturing applications.

The ambitious young French company demonstrates no intention of resting on its laurels. Namma recently announced a significant milestone: the successful raising of one million euros in funding. This substantial investment is a testament to the company’s innovative vision and solid market potential, providing crucial capital to fuel ongoing research and development efforts, enhance production capacity to meet escalating demand, and sustain its impressive growth trajectory. This funding will enable Namma to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing even further, exploring new materials, refining existing technologies, and expanding its team of experts. Furthermore, Namma has unveiled its new, expanded premises, a strategic move designed to optimize workflow, foster collaboration among its growing teams, and create a more efficient environment for innovation and manufacturing. And indeed, their teams have been remarkably busy! This dedication to advancement has culminated in the expansion of Namma’s product line with the introduction of the LUCY 300Y and ANA 300X. But what precisely are the distinguishing features and capabilities that these next-generation industrial machines bring to the table?

LUCY 300Y: The Power of Hybrid Manufacturing for Complex, Precise Parts

A True Fusion of FFF and CNC Machining

Building upon the robust foundation and innovative spirit of the EVA model, the LUCY 300Y represents a significant leap forward in hybrid additive manufacturing. This sophisticated machine seamlessly integrates both Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing and precise CNC machining capabilities, courtesy of its two highly advanced tool heads. The defining characteristic of these tool heads is their complete independence, enabling them to operate simultaneously on the same part. This parallel processing capability drastically accelerates production cycles and enhances efficiency, allowing for complex geometries to be built up additively and then refined subtractively within a single, continuous process. With a generous print volume of 300 x 300 x 300 mm, the LUCY 300Y is perfectly suited for designing and fabricating intricate, high-performance parts that can be machined directly, eliminating the often time-consuming and labor-intensive need for post-processing once the printing phase is complete. This integrated workflow reduces overall lead times and ensures superior dimensional accuracy.

One of the most innovative aspects of the LUCY 300Y is its ability to perform machining steps in the middle of the printing process. This “in-process machining” capability allows for the creation of exceptionally fine surface finishes, achieving an impressive smoothness down to 0.3 microns. This level of precision is critical for applications requiring tight tolerances and aesthetically perfect surfaces. Furthermore, it enables the creation of internal features or geometries that would be inaccessible after the part is fully printed, pushing the boundaries of design freedom. This dynamic interplay between additive and subtractive manufacturing within a single machine ensures that parts emerge ready for use, minimizing secondary operations and maximizing efficiency.

Advanced Material Compatibility and Unrivaled Precision

Examining the machine’s impressive technical specifications, the LUCY 300Y is engineered for versatility and performance. It is equipped with a robust heated build plate capable of reaching 150°C, alongside a high-temperature nozzle that can attain 500°C. This exceptional thermal capability makes it compatible with an extraordinarily wide choice of industrial-grade filaments, ranging from high-performance materials like carbon-fiber-filled ABS to engineering-grade nylon, and even more exotic polymers. This broad material compatibility allows users to tackle diverse applications across various industries, from automotive to medical, where material properties are paramount. The LUCY 300Y boasts an impressive extrusion rate of 90 mm³ per second, ensuring rapid material deposition without compromising quality. Moreover, it delivers outstanding dimensional tolerances of ± 0.05 mm, a critical factor for functional parts and precision components.

In particular, LUCY makes it possible to manufacture highly precise parts with exceptionally smooth surfaces, ideal for use in demanding conditions, such as the production of plastic injection molds. Traditional mold manufacturing is expensive and time-consuming, making it impractical for prototyping or low-volume production. Thanks to the LUCY 300Y’s integrated 3D printing and machining capabilities, users can quickly obtain molds with smooth, homogeneous surfaces. This ensures optimal molding performance, reduces friction, and extends the lifespan of the mold. What’s more, the machine’s compatibility with a wide range of high-performance, heat-resistant materials means that the final molds can efficiently withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures required for demanding injection molding processes. This capability positions LUCY 300Y as an invaluable tool for rapid tooling, prototyping, and small-batch production of complex industrial components.

ANA 300X: Redefining Productivity with IDEX 3D Printing for Mass-Produced Parts

Unlocking Double the Speed with IDEX Technology

For its second innovative model, the ANA 300X, Namma has strategically embraced IDEX (Independent Dual Extruder) technology. This advanced configuration fundamentally changes the dynamics of 3D printing by integrating two entirely independent print heads. The core advantage of IDEX is its ability to significantly enhance printing speed and throughput. Unlike traditional dual extrusion systems where extruders are linked, the independent movement of ANA 300X’s print heads allows for several highly efficient modes of operation. In duplication mode, both heads can simultaneously print the exact same part, effectively doubling production capacity for identical components. Alternatively, in mirror mode, they can print mirror images of a part, which is incredibly useful for producing symmetrical components or mold halves. Beyond speed, IDEX technology excels in enabling the use of soluble support materials. One head can print the primary build material while the other precisely deposits a dissolvable support material, which is later easily removed without damaging the final part. This capability is crucial for successfully printing parts with complex geometries, intricate internal structures, or overhangs that would otherwise be challenging to produce with conventional methods. As a result, the ANA 300X facilitates rapid prototyping, pre-production runs, and even small-batch manufacturing at twice the speed of single-extruder systems, significantly reducing time-to-market for new products.

Expanded Material Versatility for High-Performance Polymers

While sharing many core technical specifications with the LUCY 300Y – hinting at a similar build volume, heated build plate, and nozzle temperature capabilities – the ANA 300X distinguishes itself with an even greater material compatibility, particularly within the realm of high-performance polymers. This machine is optimized for working with advanced engineering plastics that offer improved thermal, mechanical, and chemical performance, opening doors to highly demanding industrial applications. The integration of two independent printheads further amplifies material versatility, allowing for innovative material combinations. For instance, one head can be loaded with a robust, high-temperature polymer like PEEK or ULTEM, while the other holds a flexible, impact-resistant material, enabling the creation of multi-material components with tailored properties. This dual material capability is invaluable for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and specialized tooling that require a blend of different material characteristics. The ANA 300X’s capacity to handle a broader range of substrates, combined with its accelerated production capabilities, positions it as a powerful tool for industries seeking to leverage the full potential of advanced polymer 3D printing for scalable and high-performance applications.

Namma’s Vision: Driving the Future of Industrial Additive Manufacturing

One thing is abundantly clear: Namma’s future developments and advancements in the industrial additive manufacturing sector will be closely watched by the industry. With its continued investment in R&D, its strategic focus on hybrid and IDEX technologies, and a commitment to addressing the evolving needs of manufacturers, Namma is positioning itself as a key innovator. The LUCY 300Y and ANA 300X are not merely new machines; they represent Namma’s vision for a future where industrial 3D printing is more integrated, efficient, and versatile than ever before. If you’re eager to witness these groundbreaking machines firsthand, meet the expert Namma team, and learn more about how their solutions can transform your manufacturing processes, we warmly invite you to visit them at Formnext 2024. You can find them on stand D21 in Hall 11.1, where they will be showcasing live demonstrations and answering all your questions. For further information and detailed specifications, please visit the manufacturer’s official website HERE.

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*All Photo Credits: NAMMA