At K2022 in October last year, KraussMaffei announced its entry into the world of additive manufacturing with the launch of two new 3D printing systems: the precisionPrint stereolithography machine for the production of detailed parts with high surface quality, and the powerPrint designed for large-format manufacturing. At that time, no date was given as to when the machines would be available for purchase. Today, however, KraussMaffei announced the start of the sale of the powerPrint machines.
With a volume of up to ten cubic meters, the powerPrint is suitable for creating moulds and tools, custom packaging or even furniture. Since its introduction at K2022, it has been successfully tested for a wide variety of fibre-reinforced and compounded materials.
According to Rolf Mack, vice president Additive Manufacturing, the powerPrint is ready to produce custom parts for the customer at the customer's facility ‘with the highest industry and quality standards’.
Themachine offers cost-effective production of 3D objects through the use of thermoplastic granulates and extruder-based pressure build-up (nozzle area 2 to 20 mm). KraussMaffei has applied its many years of expertise in plastic and extrusion to developing its new additive manufacturing technology.
The printer produces components with dimensions of up to 2 m x 2.5 m x 2 m independently and without manual intervention at a temperature of up to 350 °C. The parts are removed from the machine from the front through a door or by crane via a folding roof in the heat-resistant enclosure. Print jobs can be changed quickly thanks to vacuum-fixed printing plates. A specially developed human-machine interface ensures intuitive and simple operation of the device.
While the powerPrint is now available for purchase, KraussMaffei also offers a print-on-demand service as an alternative. According to the company, applications are designed according to customer specifications and technical possibilities and then printed, with KraussMaffei also handling post-processing.