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Interview: Large, Foam-Based 3D Printed Parts Now Possible with ColorFabb and Colossus https://ift.tt/3lWO8yU The large-scale 3D printing space is heating up in both polymers and concrete. Medium-format systems are also finding more applications. In uses such as formwork, molds, large-scale tooling and even end-use parts, we’re seeing more and more applications for large 3D printed items. Companies such as Thermwood, Cincinnati, Juggerbot, CEAD and more are jumping into the space. Large parts also use up an awful lot of feedstock, so its no surprise that the materials companies are diving into the segment, as well. Early interest from Mitsubishi, DSM (now Covestro), and SABIC has helped to mature the market. A perhaps surprising entrant in this space is ColorFabb. The Dutch firm is a leader in desktop 3D printing filament and now hopes to extend its reach into larger industrial parts. It’s doing this by launching its foaming materials for the fused granulate fabrication (FGF) market—so, not filament but granulate based material extrusion. And it’s doing so with large-format 3D printer manufacturer, Colossus Printers. FGF should be much cheaper than filament per kilo and that really has a lot of impact when it comes to large parts. Furthermore ColorFabb’s foaming materials, such as lightweight PLA (LW-PLA), mean that you can print lighter components or print much faster than with non-foaming materials. The companies suggest that combining the materials of ColorFabb with the machines of Colossus, they’re able to double printing speed and can make one-cm layers with 8mm nozzles. We interviewed Philippe-Daniel Merillet the founder of Collusus and ColorFabb’s CEO Ruud Rouleaux to find out more about the partnership. We spoke Ralph van den Borst, two years ago when he joined colorFabb. What has changed over the years?
Meanwhile, Colossus is attempting to tackle the large-format space with more add-on features. Philippe-Daniel Merillet explained:
Colossus chose to focus only on FGF machines with the goal of transforming waste plastic into new objects quickly and in a cost-effective manner. Colossus systems, therefore, are designed to be an industrial and transportable method for doing so. Quote request Are you looking to buy a 3D printer or 3D scanner? We're here to help. Get free expert advice and quotes from trusted suppliers in your area. Powered by Aniwaa
Merillet further suggested that FGF systems are more complicated with more process parameters to adapt for a given material. This includes multiple heating zones, pressure, and melt pump settings. However, Colossus attempts to address these concerns by providing material profiles.
Lightweight materials, such as foams, could have tremendous advantages, according to the partners. These include increased print speed and reduced weight. The use of these materials in pellet printing means bringing these benefits to already fast, large printers.
When asked about the future of 3D printing, Ruud concluded:
Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com September 24, 2021 at 07:36AM
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