The DragonFly 2020 is surely one of the most anticipated 3D printers thus far. And while many companies around the world are still waiting to get their hands on one, a carefully selected beta group has been able to put the powerful and unique 3D printers to use—and offer their feedback. The beta testing program has been ongoing since last year, and now, Nano Dimension has announced that its recruitment process is complete.
Starting in the second half of 2016, the Nano Dimension team sought to work with “leading customers” for their beta period. This has allowed for significant feedback regarding the DragonFly 2020 in terms of the technology overall, 3D printing capabilities, and workflow. In 2016, Nano Dimension leased 3D printers to six customers, and reached their goal of another six beta customers in the first quarter of 2017, continuing to add more to that roll throughout Q2. Now that recruitment for the beta phase is complete, Nano Dimension is beginning to focus on its next goal: commence with early access commercial sales.
Headquartered in Israel, Nano Dimension is known for using nanoparticle inks to create printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other 3D circuitry. We have been following the evolution of the DragonFly 2020 for over two years now, from its unveiling to learning more about its incredible history as the 17-month creation of Lena Kotlare—just out of college in Jerusalem when she built the complex machine that, says the company, is “truly bringing ‘Print’ to printed circuit boards.” Kotlare works as the company’s R&D Mechanical Manager, and credits SOLIDWORKS software for the ease in which she was able to create the DragonFly.
The SWITCH software package meant to accompany the DragonFly was announced last year, as well as a flurry of shipments to beta customers like PHYTEC, a German developer of microprocessors and supporting applications. Those involved in the beta program thus far have been able to lease the DragonFly 2020. Sixteen customers have been involved, and Nano Dimension will continue to work with them as they put the 3D printer to use in varied applications across the consumer goods, defense, financial services, and medical devices industries.
The last customer to receive the highly coveted PCB 3D printer was a Fortune 500 company, hinted at as one of the largest bank holding companies in the US. According to Nano Dimension, they installed the 3D printer in their development center and have been using it for creating electronics and hardware relevant to the finance world.
“By using the DragonFly 2020 3D printer, the beta customers have proven that using the printer allows them to speed up product development cycles, strengthen in-house innovation capabilities, and secure research and development intellectual property,” stated Nano Dimension in their latest press release.
Examples of 3D printed electronics from Nano Dimension at formnext 2016 [Photo: Sarah Goehrke for 3DPrint.com].
“We are pleased to have reached an important milestone by achieving our beta program targets, and completing the recruitment of new applicants to the program,” said Amit Dror, CEO of Nano Dimension. “During the program, we achieved technological progress by working with a wide range of leading customers, and we also built a positive brand within our target audiences. We are currently targeting early access commercial sales.”
Discuss in the Nano Dimension forum at 3DPB.com.
