Arburg Freeformer Machines Produce Complex, Functional Parts

Arburg’s Freeformer 200-3X and Freeformer 300-3X machines are designed as open systems utilizing the company’s Plastic Freeforming (APF) process for custom-configured additve manufacturing (AM). The system is said to meet individual user requirements by adjusting slicing, droplet size and process regulation to influence the layer-by-layer build process utilizing a broad range of materials.

The Freeformer 200-3X is the standard system which features two discharge units and a print tray with three axes of motion. This system variant can manufacture components with complex geometries from two materials and/or support structures.

The Freeformer 300-3X provides more space inside the build chamber for larger components. It comes with up to three discharge units and a build chamber that is 50% larger for more scope for customization and improved functionality. Its print tray works with three axes of motion that move in combination for greater freedom in the design and dimensioning of parts. It can process high-temperature materials such as ULTEM 9085, which is a permanently flame-retardant and low-smoke material suitable for aerospace applications; as well as biocompatible, resorbable, sterilizable and FDA-approved original materials. The build chamber can be heated to 200°C and can process medically approved PEEK granulate. 

The company says optimized temperature management provides the necessary cooling, especially for the axis drives, which can precisely position the part carrier along the X, Y and Z axes. The Freeformer is said to be able to achieve strengths of up to 95% when processing this material in the X and Y directions.

With just a few minor modifications, the system is also suitable for use in clean rooms, the company says. It is said the system can easily produce items that are clean-room compatible, implantable, biocompatible, elastic, lightweight, stable or conductive.