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SEAMHex
Large 3D Printer
Let's help you!
Next Generation
of 3D Printer
The SEAMHex developed by the Fraunhofer Institute opens up completely new possibilities for 3D printing components suitable for industrial use. The so-called SEAM process (Screw Extrusion Additive Manufacturing) is based on the plasticizing unit (extruder) already known from plastics technology for the processing of plastic granulates. This extrusion unit is distributed worldwide by the company 1A Technologies and can be integrated autonomously in different machine kinematics, as well as in our Pentapod CNC machines.
This 3D printer is based on this plasticizing unit on the one hand and on 6-strut parallel kinematics on the other hand, which allows the 3D printing process very fast, highly dynamic movements with accelerations of up to 10 m/s² and high positioning accuracy.
Up to 1m/s
Big 3D Printer
Plasticizing Unit
Industrial Parts
6-Axis 3D Printer
Recycled 3D Print
GET YOUR INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTER
Hexapod for
6-Axis 3D Printing
The SEAMHex is one of the fastest 3D printers in the world, with a printing speed of up to 1m/s. This is made possible by the parallel kinematics of the Hexapod, which allows the printer to move in multiple axes simultaneously.
In addition, the Hexapod kinematic gives the SEAMHex a 5-axis printing capability, as well as the ability to tilt up to 45° and torsional movement of 20°. The SEAMHex 3D printer has a linear movement of the extrusion unit (Z-axis), which enables 6-axis printing.
The print bed can be heated according to your needs or plastic type. It is designed for maximum print size and part weight as specified below:
-
- Print size: 1100mm x 800mm x 600mm
- Part weight: 15kg
The SEAMHex 3D printer is the perfect printer for those who need speed and flexibility in their additive manufacturing process. It is also designed for maximum print size and part weight, making it the perfect printer for a wide range of applications.
This hexapod table allows printing larger parts or multiple smaller ones at the same time. Its 6-axis parallel kinematic gives the printer the possibility to print on existing 3D models or surfaces with a high degree of accuracy. This technology can be used in the aerospace, medical, or automobile industries.
SEAM
3D Printer Extruder
The SEAM (Screw Extrusion Additive Manufacturing) Unit was invented by the Fraunhofer Institute IWU and is today distributed by 1A Technologies. This 3D Printer Extruder SEAM is a high-performance plasticizing unit for three-dimensional (3D) printing. It is capable of extruding a wide variety of plastics, elastomers, polypropylene, and even a polyamide 6 with 40% carbon fiber content.
Fast and cheap 3D printing
With the SEAM Extruder, you can generate up to 8 kg/h of printed component mass, which is a significant improvement over the traditional fused layer or fused deposition modeling processes (FLM/FDM). The SEAM extruder can also save you money on material costs (up to 200x cheaper), as it uses standard plastic granules instead of an expensive FLM filament. Thanks to its high performance and material versatility, the SEAM extruder is an excellent choice for any 3D printing application.
Flow-regulated 3D printing
The most significant benefit of this 3D printing tool is the patented bypass module. This module allows you to regulate the speed of plastic flow and the amount of plastic that is extruded. As a result, you can achieve a constant and consistent extrusion rate and thickness, even when working with different materials, or in printing zones like the corners of a part. The bypass can also be used when jumping from position to position during a printing operation without letting material flow out of the nozzle. The regulation of this bypass is implemented by the control system of the SEAMHex 3D Printer.
Material efficient 3D printing
The SEAM-bypass module is a significant improvement over comparable 3D printers because it provides greater precision and control when extruding plastic. Thus this solution represents a distinct selling point and significant added value in the entire 3D printing industry. However, the material that escapes out of the bypass must be disposed of. But this has been taken into account, as the ejected material is immediately granulated and can therefore be reused. As a result, all of the SEAM is a closed loop that is highly resource-efficient and eco-friendly.
Next Generation
of 3D Printer
The SEAMHex developed by the Fraunhofer Institute opens up completely new possibilities for 3D printing components suitable for industrial use. The so-called SEAM process (Screw Extrusion Additive Manufacturing) is based on the plasticizing unit (extruder) already known from plastics technology for the processing of plastic granulates. This extrusion unit is distributed worldwide by the company 1A Technologies and can be integrated autonomously in different machine kinematics, as well as in our Pentapod CNC machines.
This 3D printer is based on this plasticizing unit on the one hand and on 6-strut parallel kinematics on the other hand, which allows the 3D printing process very fast, highly dynamic movements with accelerations of up to 10 m/s² and high positioning accuracy.
Up to 1m/s
Big 3D Printer
Plasticizing Unit
Industrial Parts
6-Axis 3D Printer
Recycled 3D Print
GET YOUR INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTER
Hexapod for
6-Axis 3D Printing
The SEAMHex is one of the fastest 3D printers in the world, with a printing speed of up to 1m/s. This is made possible by the parallel kinematics of the Hexapod, which allows the printer to move in multiple axes simultaneously.
In addition, the Hexapod kinematic gives the SEAMHex a 5-axis printing capability, as well as the ability to tilt up to 45° and torsional movement of 20°. The SEAMHex 3D printer has a linear movement of the extrusion unit (Z-axis), which enables 6-axis printing. It is designed for maximum print size and part weight as specified below:
-
- Print size: 1100mm x 800mm x 600mm
- Part weight: 15kg
- The print bed can also be heated according to your needs or plastic type.
The SEAMHex 3D printer is the perfect printer for those who need speed and flexibility in their additive manufacturing process. It is also designed for maximum print size and part weight, making it the perfect printer for a wide range of applications.
This hexapod table allows printing larger parts or multiple smaller ones at the same time. Its 6-axis parallel kinematic gives the printer the possibility to print on existing 3D models or surfaces with a high degree of accuracy. This technology can be used in the aerospace, medical, or automobile industries.
SEAM
3D Printer Extruder
The SEAM (Screw Extrusion Additive Manufacturing) Unit was invented by the Fraunhofer Institute IWU and is today distributed by 1A Technologies. This 3D Printer Extruder SEAM is a high-performance plasticizing unit for three-dimensional (3D) printing. It is capable of extruding a wide variety of plastics, elastomers, polypropylene, and even a polyamide 6 with 40% carbon fiber content.
Fast and cheap 3D printing
With the SEAM Extruder, you can generate up to 8 kg/h of printed component mass, which is a significant improvement over the traditional fused layer or fused deposition modeling processes (FLM/FDM). The SEAM extruder can also save you money on material costs (up to 200x cheaper), as it uses standard plastic granules instead of an expensive FLM filament. Thanks to its high performance and material versatility, the SEAM extruder is an excellent choice for any 3D printing application.
Flow-regulated 3D printing
The most significant benefit of this 3D printing tool is the patented bypass module. This module allows you to regulate the speed of plastic flow and the amount of plastic that is extruded. As a result, you can achieve a constant and consistent extrusion rate and thickness, even when working with different materials, or in printing zones like the corners of a part. The bypass can also be used when jumping from position to position during a printing operation without letting material flow out of the nozzle. The regulation of this bypass is implemented by the control system of the SEAMHex 3D Printer.
Material efficient 3D printing
The SEAM-bypass module is a significant improvement over comparable 3D printers because it provides greater precision and control when extruding plastic. Thus this solution represents a distinct selling point and significant added value in the entire 3D printing industry. However, the material that escapes out of the bypass must be disposed of. But this has been taken into account, as the ejected material is immediately granulated and can therefore be reused. As a result, all of the SEAM is a closed loop that is highly resource-efficient and eco-friendly.
News
Our Latest Project: Mobile 5 Axis CNC Machine for the Power Industry
We are a company that builds unique Pentapod CNC machines. These machines are built from parallel kinematics and an icosahedron enclosure. Our latest project was to build a mobile 5 axis CNC machine...
An essential component of a CNC machining center is the automatic tool changer. It ensures fast and automated production. The spindle can access the magazine and pick up the various tools from the magazine.
At Metrom, two types of tool changers are used. The pick-up changer is suitable for users who require few tools for their machining process. In order to have a higher flexibility, the changer is worthwhile as a turret with several places.But we have adapted our tool changer for hybrid production. We are able to integrate stations in our machines to deposit a welding head or extruder for 3D printing.
The machine table of a conventional machine tool determines the process. Today’s modern machine tools use rotary tilting tables to enable 5-axis machining. On the other hand, this table must have a high stiffness in order to be able to machine heavy components with high accuracy.
With our CNC machines we move the lighter spindle 5 axes to the workpiece. This reduces the load on the table during the process. However, it is advantageous to use a rotary table to enable 6-axis machining and thus complete machining of complex or rotary components. We use modern machine tools for an optimal CNC process.
News
Subscribe for the latest news.
Stay updated on the latest trends.
Our Latest Project: Mobile 5 Axis CNC Machine for the Power Industry
We are a company that builds unique Pentapod CNC machines. These machines are built from parallel kinematics and an icosahedron enclosure. Our latest project was to build a mobile 5 axis CNC machine...
News
Subscribe for the latest news.
Stay updated on the latest trends.
Our Latest Project: Mobile 5 Axis CNC Machine for the Power Industry
We are a company that builds unique Pentapod CNC machines. These machines are built from parallel kinematics and an icosahedron enclosure. Our latest project was to build a mobile 5 axis CNC machine...
About large 3D Printing
A core issue the plastic 3D printing industry deals with is the size of their printers which only is efficient for small prints. A typical printing process such as FDM is too slow (low discharge rate) and too expensive (filament) so large objects are not viable to produce. The print bed and build volume size are also severely limited. To accelerate the printing process some manufacturer of 3d printer uses a dual extruder system.
But for printing, for example, large prototypes (plastic) time and cost efficiency it is necessary to have a big build platform, fast machine, and a printing tool with a high output rate.
So large format 3D Printers have been developed to address this problem by increasing the speed and lowering the cost for the 3D printing of large print sizes.
Types of 3D Printers
In the last 10 years, 3D Printers have become more and more commonplace in society. You can find them in schools, small businesses, and large corporations. The technology has become more affordable and easier to use, making it accessible to a wider range of people.
The most popular types of plastic 3D Printers until today are FDM, SLA, and SLS.
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers are the most common type of 3D printer. They work by extruding a filament of plastic through a nozzle to build up an object layer by layer. FDM printers are generally the most affordable type of 3D printer, making them a good choice for private, schools, and small businesses.
- SLA (Stereolithography) printers use a laser to cure a photopolymer resin, hardening it into the desired shape. SLA printers are generally more expensive than FDM printers, but they offer a higher quality finish.
- SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printers work by using a high-powered laser to fuse small particles of plastic powder. SLS printers are the most expensive type of 3D printer, but they offer the highest quality finish and the ability to print large objects.
But these types are not suitable for large object printing.
Granule-based 3D printers have been developed to address this problem by increasing the speed and lowering the cost of 3D printing large objects. These printers work by extruding a stream of plastic granules through a nozzle to build up an object layer by layer like the FDM printers but with a high output rate.
Served industries for large 3D Printers
These large 3d printers are also called “industrial 3d printers” like the SEAMHex 3D Printer because of their large build volume and the capability to produce industrial relevant components. These 3D printed parts are in most cases reinforced with carbon fiber or glass fiber and can replace traditional metal parts in many applications.
The large 3D printers are used extensively in the automotive, aerospace, medical and construction industries where large and strong parts are needed.
In the automotive industry, large 3D printers are used to produce car body parts and engine components. In the aerospace industry, large 3D printers are used to produce aircraft parts and components (e.g. seats). In the medical industry, large 3D printers are used to produce implants and prosthetics. In the construction industry, large 3D printers are used to produce concrete wall panels and pipes.
Robots for 3d printing large objects
Robots can also used as 3D printers to print large objects. The robot arm can be programmed to move the 3D printer head in any direction to print the object. This gives these robot 3D printers the ability to print large objects with a high degree of freedom.
These robots can be today equipped with extrusion heads for large 3D printers like the SEAM Extruder. The disadvantage of 3d printing with robots is that the robots have low stiffness and slowly accelerate which can lead to lower print quality. Also, the costs for large 3D printers with robots can be high.
An essential component of a CNC machining center is the automatic tool changer. It ensures fast and automated production. The spindle can access the magazine and pick up the various tools from the magazine.
At Metrom, two types of tool changers are used. The pick-up changer is suitable for users who require few tools for their machining process. In order to have a higher flexibility, the changer is worthwhile as a turret with several places.But we have adapted our tool changer for hybrid production. We are able to integrate stations in our machines to deposit a welding head or extruder for 3D printing.
The machine table of a conventional machine tool determines the process. Today’s modern machine tools use rotary tilting tables to enable 5-axis machining. On the other hand, this table must have a high stiffness in order to be able to machine heavy components with high accuracy.
With our CNC machines we move the lighter spindle 5 axes to the workpiece. This reduces the load on the table during the process. However, it is advantageous to use a rotary table to enable 6-axis machining and thus complete machining of complex or rotary components. We use modern machine tools for an optimal CNC process.
About large 3D Printing
A core issue the plastic 3D printing industry deals with is the size of their printers which only is efficient for small prints. A typical printing process such as FDM is too slow (low discharge rate) and too expensive (filament) so large objects are not viable to produce. The print bed and build volume size are also severely limited. To accelerate the printing process some manufacturer of 3d printer uses a dual extruder system.
But for printing, for example, large prototypes (plastic) time and cost efficiency it is necessary to have a big build platform, fast machine, and a printing tool with a high output rate.
So large format 3D Printers have been developed to address this problem by increasing the speed and lowering the cost for the 3D printing of large print sizes.
Types of 3D Printers
In the last 10 years, 3D Printers have become more and more commonplace in society. You can find them in schools, small businesses, and large corporations. The technology has become more affordable and easier to use, making it accessible to a wider range of people.
The most popular types of plastic 3D Printers until today are FDM, SLA, and SLS.
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers are the most common type of 3D printer. They work by extruding a filament of plastic through a nozzle to build up an object layer by layer. FDM printers are generally the most affordable type of 3D printer, making them a good choice for private, schools, and small businesses.
- SLA (Stereolithography) printers use a laser to cure a photopolymer resin, hardening it into the desired shape. SLA printers are generally more expensive than FDM printers, but they offer a higher quality finish.
- SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) printers work by using a high-powered laser to fuse small particles of plastic powder. SLS printers are the most expensive type of 3D printer, but they offer the highest quality finish and the ability to print large objects.
But these types are not suitable for large object printing.
Granule-based 3D printers have been developed to address this problem by increasing the speed and lowering the cost of 3D printing large objects. These printers work by extruding a stream of plastic granules through a nozzle to build up an object layer by layer like the FDM printers but with a high output rate.
Served industries for large 3D Printers
These large 3d printers are also called “industrial 3d printers” like the SEAMHex 3D Printer because of their large build volume and the capability to produce industrial relevant components. These 3D printed parts are in most cases reinforced with carbon fiber or glass fiber and can replace traditional metal parts in many applications.
The large 3D printers are used extensively in the automotive, aerospace, medical and construction industries where large and strong parts are needed.
In the automotive industry, large 3D printers are used to produce car body parts and engine components. In the aerospace industry, large 3D printers are used to produce aircraft parts and components (e.g. seats). In the medical industry, large 3D printers are used to produce implants and prosthetics. In the construction industry, large 3D printers are used to produce concrete wall panels and pipes.
Robots for 3d printing large objects
Robots can also used as 3D printers to print large objects. The robot arm can be programmed to move the 3D printer head in any direction to print the object. This gives these robot 3D printers the ability to print large objects with a high degree of freedom.
These robots can be today equipped with extrusion heads for large 3D printers like the SEAM Extruder. The disadvantage of 3d printing with robots is that the robots have low stiffness and slowly accelerate which can lead to lower print quality. Also, the costs for large 3D printers with robots can be high.
