BASF and Xaar have been working together to improve the Photopolymer Jetting (PPJ) process also known as Material Deposition, having shown off some of the preliminary lab tests earlier this month at the Formnext show.
The Photopolymer Jetting process works by jetting photopolymers onto a build bed platform where they are cured via a UV light source. This process is repeated layer-by-layer, using polymers for parts and support to create the intended 3D object.
For the purposes of this collaboration Xaar has used its 2001+ printheads, which use a number of Xaar technologies, including its low energy Chevron actuator and TF ink recirculation that reduces clogging with heavier particles. The High Laydown Technology has allowed for high deposition rates of up to 20 l/hr with addressability of 720 dpi.
BASF has developed new photopolymer-based high viscosity and high particle-loaded fluids that play to the strengths of the Xaar printheads and promise high productivity and improved parts properties.
Volker Hammes, managing director of BASF 3D Printing Solutions, commented: “The productivity and fluid flexibility we achieved with Xaar printheads and our advanced chemistry address market requirements for productivity and quality which to date have remained unmet.”
The two companies are now appealing for others to join them. Doug Edwards, CEO at Xaar, says: “While continuing to develop this offering, we are now ready to bring in more partners from a range of industry sectors to implement the solution.”
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