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Former Xerox CTO to Drive Growth for Impossible Objects’ Composite 3D Printing https://ift.tt/OECzKeL Impossible Objects has developed one of the more exciting technologies in the 3D printing industry. Not only is its composite based additive manufacturing (CBAM) unlike any other method from a process level, but the theoretical speeds, sizes, and materials with which it could feasibly operate herald a great deal of potential for the Chicago-based firm. As Impossible Objects began commercializing CBAM, it took the necessary step of hiring on a new CEO, Steve Hoover, whose illustrious career in tech could position him as the ideal person to take the firm to its next level of growth. At the 2023 Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference, we sat down with Hoover to learn more about what the roadmap looks like for Impossible Objects, including his strategy for getting CBAM into the hands of many more users. Nearly 20 Years at XeroxHoover spent most of his career, nearly two decades, at Xerox. Initially, he worked in research and advanced technology development on projects which enabled the company to enter the high-speed printing market, including million-dollar digital presses that replaced analog presses producing 300 pages per minute. After running the Xerox research group in Rochester and the software electronics group, he took over the Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) as CEO, where he oversaw a number of exciting endeavors that ranged from sensing for autonomous driving and 5G RF communications to AI and computer vision. Hoover then made his way up to become CTO of Xerox, before “deciding [he’d] had enough of big corporate America.” In the meantime, Impossible Objects was in the process of commercializing its CBAM process, beginning with the introduction of a printer to the market, finding users, and securing further investments. Because of the unique nature of CBAM, the technology may face more of a learning curve for users to understand its distinct advantages and applications compared to other AM technologies. What Is CBAM?The method begins by depositing a binder ink onto a sheet of reinforcement material before a thermoplastic powder coats the substrate, adhering only to the ink. This is repeated with each subsequent layer, resulting in a stack of sheets that must then be compressed and sintered in a furnace, with the binder causing the layers to fuse together. Excess material is then removed, leaving the final composite part. Though CBAM is a multi-step process, the throughput of the system is quite fast, with the company describing the current generation system as, “among the fastest 3D printers on the market.” It can also be performed with a wide variety of materials, though the company is focusing on carbon and glass fiber reinforcement and PEEK and Nylon 12 thermoplastics. Composite 3D Printing as a ServiceGiven the sophistication and novelty of CBAM, Hoover has determined that the best plan of attack is for Impossible Objects to offer 3D printing as a service. This will serve the dual purpose of educating customers as well as providing immediate revenues that will ultimately lead to machine sales as CBAM adoption increases.
As other developers of significantly different AM technologies have learned, parts-as-a-service can be the best business model for introducing the process to market. By selling components, it’s possible to give clients a foot-in-the-door for using CBAM as they begin to learn the benefits and applications of the technology. In turn, they can provide Impossible Objects with feedback about how to improve the technology and what other features might be added.
We’ve seen 3DEO apply the same approach for its metal 3D printing technique, all while developing a steady stream of customers and the potential to sell machines themselves when the time is right. Newer entrants, like Seurat, VulcanForms, and Freeform, are all 100 percent focused on establishing microfactories around their own AM technologies. Hoover was quick to point out that, though his firm is offering a parts printing service, it is also still very much in the business of selling printers, as well. New Applications, Materials, and MachinesAs the company has explored market opportunities, it has found an interesting niche for CBAM: producing tooling for the semiconductor sector. Specifically, the company is 3D printing pallets (roughly 12 in x 12 in or 12 in x 16 in in size) to transfer circuit boards. Because the boards are soldered at 230 °C, the pallets have to be able to survive intense heat. Fortunately, the combination of carbon fiber and PEEK can handle high temperatures and all manner of caustic environments, including the often-toxic world of semiconductor manufacturing. Moreover, the material combination means that the pallets are lightweight and durable, as well. “Electronics is changing all the time, meaning quick turnaround times for new board designs is essential,” Hoover said. Another area of obvious application of CBAM is transportation, including aerospace. Over the past few years, Impossible Objects has won over $7 million in grants from the Air Force Research Lab to explore the 3D printing of drone parts and the development of new materials that are even stronger and more temperature resistant. As the firm pursues those projects, it is naturally improving its overall product portfolio. This means larger, faster 3D printers. Hoover hinted:
To get to this new level of productivity and create a next-generation machine, Hoover sees the opportunity to draw in technology from the 2D printing market.
In this way, Hoover seems to have stepped into the position of Impossible Objects CEO at the perfect time, shifting the company to full-scale commercialization. Leaving us waiting for what exactly the business will showcase at RAPID, Hoover concluded:
Images courtesy of Impossible Objects The post Former Xerox CTO to Drive Growth for Impossible Objects’ Composite 3D Printing appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing. Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://ift.tt/7LlE9Nc March 31, 2023 at 09:36AM
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