BigRep’s Altra 280 Enables High-Temperature, Large-Format Industrial 3D Printing

BigRep, a global provider of large-scale Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, now offers the Altra 280 for high-temperature additive manufacturing (AM). The printer is designed for demanding applications and features a fully enclosed high-temperature printing environment, an open material system compatible with BigRep and third-party filaments, and a massive build volume.

The Altra 280 is well suited for industries that require high-performance materials, including aerospace, military and defense, and automotive.

This high-temperature FFF 3D printer enables new applications for users to print the full range of standard to high-performance polymers. The highlights of the Altra 280 are the heated 500 × 700 × 800-mm build chamber capable of reaching temperatures as high as 180°C; up to four state-of-the-art DSX extruders for uninterrupted production; and the fully automated quick-start feature for 3D printing at the touch of a button. The company says the machine is designed to ensure reliability and productivity, and to enable flawless prints in every batch.

“We are proud to extend our portfolio towards high-performance filament extrusion with our open system approach, thereby aiming to double the addressable market of our solutions with the technology from HAGE3D, our recently announced planned acquisition,” says Dr.-Ing. Sven Thate, managing director of BigRep GmbH. “For our American customers, the Altra 280 is considered a game-changing industrial AM solution across all temperature levels, unlocking wide thermoplastic material options. Backed by our 3D printing ecosystem of an intuitive software suite, global customer service and an eLearning platform, we have customer’s success in focus as we expand our offering to high-performance applications.”

The generous build volume enables large-scale 3D printing, giving users the ability to produce intricate full-fledged prototypes, production and end-use parts. The machine’s high-temperature capabilities enables printing with high-performance materials such as PEI 9085 and PC for the production of strong, lightweight parts — even for challenging industrial applications.

The machine also offers uninterrupted productivity. Equipped with up to four DSX extruders, the Altra 280 delivers seamless production with dual extruders and two respective backup extruders, enabling reliable performance around the clock.

Users can also utilize a fully automated quick start. The printers is designed for easy operation, with fully automated calibration and preheating processes, enabling users to start printing at the push of a button. A heated vacuum print bed offers improved print success because it is engineered for secure adhesion of the part and superior layer adhesion, even for large intricate prints.

“We believe that the Altra 280 will transform the way manufacturers approach additive manufacturing, especially in the aerospace, military and automotive segments, where high-performance parts are crucial,” says Thomas Janics, managing director of HAGE3D. “The machine is a combination of reliability, precision, large volume and high-temperature capabilities, and is engineered to be the ultimate solution that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with AM.”