Arburg Freeformer 550-3X Features Gestica Planning Assistant for Easier Use

Some of Arburg’s latest technology offerings include the Freeformer 550-3X with the Gestica planning assistant for easy use, as well as the TiQ 8 filament printer from innovatiQ which can process PEKK filaments, while the LiQ 5 can print liquid silicone rubbers using support material.

A Freeformer 550-3X will have its world premiere at Formnext 2024. Source: Arburg

Arburg’s Freeformer 550-3X comes with the Gestica planning assistant which actively supports users at the machine. The Freeformer 550-3X is an industrial machine with features designed to enable even unskilled workers to quickly and reliably print high-quality functional parts.

The company says the machine can process a wide range of different original plastic granules using Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF). The 550-3X is equipped with two discharge units and a 230 × 230 × 230-mm build chamber, which is slightly smaller but also more affordable than the Freeformer 750-3X and will replace the Freeformer 200-3X. The Freeformer 550-3X is well suited for industrial customers as well as users in the medical technology sector. For example, it is well capable of creating resorbable implants made from an original medical material.

The latest features of the open system include an elevated droplet discharge, optimized material changes and, importantly, the new production assistant, which actively supports the operator via the Gestica control system — from loading the build job to starting the 3D printing. This makes working with the machine much easier and enables even non-experts to additively manufacture components in a reliable, error-free process and to a high standard of quality.

Other new technology includes the TiQ 8 filament printer from innovatiQ which can process flame-retardant PC and high-temperature materials such as PEKK; and the LiQ5 which can produce liquid silicone rubbers (LSR) parts using support material.

The TiQ 8 filament printer from innovatiQ features a build chamber that is heated to high temperatures and measures 500 × 400 × 450 mm. It is suitable for additively manufacturing durable components made of flame-retardant materials such as PC and PEKK for the transport sector.

The LiQ5 from innovatiQ can process liquid silicone (LSR) using a special support material. Equipped with a second printhead, the machine can print with original LSR in various Shore hardnesses. This material can be used to produce items such as customized orthopedic accessories and products for the food industry.