AIM3D brings new metal AM technology to the MTC
AIM3D GmbH, a spin-off company of the German University of Rostock, has become the latest member of the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, West Midlands, UK. The company develops Additive Manufacturing machines for the low-cost production of components from a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, hard metals and non-ferrous metals.
The core of AIM3D’s AM machines is the patent pending AIM3D CEM E-1 extruder, which is said to be suitable for processing nearly any type of granular material, including both metal and polymer, up to a diameter/length of 3 mm. The extruder is said to be extremely wear-resistant and able to provide a constant supply of material.
The ExAM 255 is reported to be the first industrial AM machine that is able to process conventional injection moulding pellets (Courtesy AIM3D)
As part of its MTC membership, the company is installing its ExAM 255 AM machine at the MTC. The ExAM 255 is said to be the world’s first to utilise a Material Extrusion (MEX) process it calls Composite Extrusion Modelling (CEM) to produce metal parts. This is reported to be the first industrial AM machine that is able to process pellets that are conventionally used for injection moulding.
Dr Usama Attia, product development manager at the MTC said that, once installed, the equipment would be available to MTC member companies, but also to other businesses interested in testing the technology.
“By having AIM3D as a member and installing their ground-breaking new system, the MTC will further advance its capabilities in sinter-based Additive Manufacturing, which is a fast-growing area of the technology,” Attia stated. “The new system will complement the MTC’s wide range of sinter-based AM technologies, including metal Binder Jetting and material jetting.”
Dr Vincent Morrison, CEO of AIM3D GmbH, added, “We are pleased to be working together with MTC and not only becoming a member, but also to have successfully installed our ExAM 255. This is a huge milestone for us as this is our first 3D Printer in the United Kingdom. Our partnership paves the way for our future work with other companies in the UK. A collaboration is an important step in bringing the process closer to the user.”
