formnext 2016: atum3D Presents DLP Station 4 3D Printer for Both R&D and Production

atum3D presents their new DLP Station 4 at formnext 2016 in Frankfurt, Germany this week. Their latest product, according to the company, is the first machine based on Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology that can be used for both research and development and production. The DLP Station 4 offers a feature set that allows it to be used in every stage of product development, from prototyping plastic components all the way up to industrial serial production.

atum3D, a leader in cost-efficient and high quality 3D manufacturing, rivals traditional production methods, such as injection molding, for the first time with the flexible DLP Station 4, which eliminates all lead time. Designed by award winning Dutch design studio VanBerlo, the printer combines sleek good looks with industrial robustness, modularity, and unprecedented levels of usability.

“We are delighted to introduce this state-of-the-art manufacturing machine in Frankfurt,” says Guy Nyssen, Channel Manager at atum3D. “This versatile DLP Station combines exceptional accuracy and material properties matching ABS and PU with a modular, scalable setup and an integral process to manufacture series of ready-to-use components.”

VanBerlo added some creative details to the DLP Station 4’s unique, stylish aesthetic. Their design was even able to enhance the DLP Station 4’s function, rather than compromise it for the sake of an attractive package. For example, the unique metallic strip at the center of the printer illuminates in different colors, allowing the DLP Station 4 to easily indicate the status of the printer to users.

The printer sits on a plinth, which brings a touch of aplomb to the printer, while also serving a functional purpose. The plinth provides a very useful storage space for all the resins and other materials used in the printing process. VanBerlo also proposed a resdesign of the DLP Station 4’s hood, which protects the integral product components and has a spring release mechanism for easy extension and retraction.

Nyssen explained that the DLP Station 4 can cost-efficiently make series of 1 up to 10.000 pieces, adding, “With the required tolerance levels and finishing, but without the lead times, inflexibility to instantly accommodate minor component changes and required investments in molds or expensive hardware.”

formnext is one of the biggest annual events in additive manufacturing, and attracts much international attention, which led in part to atum3D’s decision to present at the event this year.

Nyssen said, “Apart from the opportunity to meet potential customers, we’re primarily aiming to meet professional distribution partners so we’ll be able to jointly serve customers all over the globe.”

atum3D’s DLP Stations are 192 x 250 x 120 mm, weigh approximately 32kg, and can print at speeds of up to 50mm per hour, depending on resin and the level of detail the print entails. They create components for consumer goods, automotive, aerospace and toys industries, which can be prototyped by product design studios or R&D departments on the very same machine. Visit atum3D at formnext through November 19 in Hall 3.1, stand B88 of Messe Frankfurt. Discuss in the atum3D forum at 3DPB.com.