Page 18 - 3D Metal Printing Summer 2019

3D RAPID + TCT
Intricate Electronics via Inkjet Deposition
On display by Nano Dimension: the DragonFly Pro 3D printer, offered as a one- stop solution for 3D printed electronics. The printer, currently employed by R&D teams, enables users to move quickly from concept verification and design validation to test fixtures via 3D printing their own profes- sional circuit boards, according to company officials. This provides the ability to keep sensitive and proprietary design information inhouse while developing.
The printer features a precise inkjet deposition system for high-resolution ‘trace-and- space,’ enabling construction
of a full range of multi-layer
PCB features including
interconnections such as
buried vias and plated
through-holes. Users reportedly
enjoy the rapid production of professional
multi-layer PCB prototypes, antennas, experimental electronic circuits and more.
The booth included a number of intricate samples on display, including a 3.7 by 0.4-in. ultra-wide-band antenna (pictured), showing the printer’s ability to print RF antennas. Time to print: 12 hr. for four units.
Just prior to RAPID + TCT, Nano Dimension announced that it had created, on the DragonFly, the first fully functional, 3D printed communication device, reportedly at a faster speed than has been achieved to date with traditionally made devices. Nano Dimension completed the print, assembly and testing of the company-developed pro- totype IoT transceiver device (smaller than a silver-dollar coin) in approximately 18 hr., approximately 90-percent faster than non-3D printed, which can take 14 days or more. www.nano-di.com
New Version of AM Simulation Suite Speeds Design Time, Reduces Waste
Fresh off of RAPID + TCT, AlphaStar Corp. has released Version 9 of its additive manufacturing (AM) simulation suite Genoa 3DP. The suite uses multi-scale progressive failure analysis to simulate the AM process from material characterization to process simulation and in-service qualification of a printed part.
Genoa 3DP v9, as described by AlphaStar officials, accurately predicts deformation, residual stress and damage initiation, and also determines voids, warpage and other manufacturing anomalies seen in 3D printing. Additionally, Genoa 3DP allows end users to assess material and process-parameter sensitivities, thus significantly reducing trial and error, material waste and engineering time.
This particular release reportedly improves user-friendliness, enhances coupling with commercial finite element analysis (FEA) solvers and introduces the addition of two new modules: PathCoverage and TMg. A print-path-error management tool, Path- Coverage visualizes and accounts for problematic regions of printed parts. TMg, a thermal-management tool, quickly and accurately predicts thermal history, material states, and dynamic evolution of melt-pool and heat affected zones, according to AlphaStar officials, while identifying stable and unstable zones during the print process.
Additional new features in Genoa 3DP v9 include metal as well as polymer AM support, support of external mesh from FEA software, design of experiment via the Surrogate Modeling Optimization tool, and prediction and incorporation of tempera- ture-dependent 3D printed material prop- erties. To ease use, the software includes more than 30 step-by-step tutorials. www.alphastarcorp.com
NanoParticle Jetting Successes Pave Way for Metal Applications
XJet announced the sale and installa- tion of two Carmel 1400 NanoParticle Jet- ting (NPJ) systems to the University of Delaware, where researchers employ 3D ceramic printing to develop cutting-edge antenna technology for 5G network appli- cations, and to Marvel Medtech, a med- ical-device startup that 3D prints ceramic cryotherapy probes for a robotic inter- vention guidance system. The system
freezes and destroys tiny breast-cancer tumors. For use in MRI scans, not x-rays, the system represents a break from tra- ditional mammograms. XJet’s vice presi- dent of healthcare, Avi Cohen, told 3DMP that he expects that the company’s success with ceramic applications will soon lead to metal 3D printed medical applications, such as controlled-release, drug-delivery systems and stents.
www.xjet3d.com
Ordering and Workflow Management System for Prototypes
Fab Flow, a customizable tool from Desktop Metal, enables managers to improve operations across the shop floor, identifying underutilized machines and spotting backlogs before they build up. Shops also can provide internal customers with a simple ordering interface reflecting the shop’s equipment, technologies and
16 | 3D METAL PRINTING • SUMMER 2019
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