DyeMansion to Distribute ASM’s VX1 Entry-Level Vapor Smoothing System

ASM and DyeMansion are collaborating to make ASM’s VX1 entry-level vapor smoothing system more accessible to potential customers through DyeMansion’s worldwide reseller network and customers. The machine is designed to deliver a smooth and glossy surface finish, with a notable reduction in roughness and porosity.

The partnership enables resellers and end-use customers to combine DyeMansion’s postprocessing expertise with ASM's VX1 smoothing technology. This collaboration aims to integrate the ASM solution into existing postprocessing workflows and expand the portfolio of available postprocessing technologies to meet the increased demands for surface quality in entry-level 3D printing.

DyeMansion is already an established, experienced global market provider in the field of industrial postprocessing of additively manufactured plastic parts, while ASM is a relatively new company focused on vapor smoothing. Both companies are based in Munich, Germany.

DyeMansion is supporting ASM with its customer and market access to help bring ASM’s vapor smoothing system to market more quickly and comprehensively while enabling its customers to more easily access the new technology. ASM says its compact entry-level VX1 smoothing system meets the requirements for a range of industries, which enables a variety of companies to achieve an efficient, successful entry into the world of vapor smoothing.

“We are excited to partner with ASM to set the new standard in entry-level vapor smoothing solutions for 3D printing,” says Felix Ewald, DyeMansion CEO and co-founder. “We have the strongest partner network for postprocessing workflows and can therefore support technology providers like ASM in bringing innovations to market quickly and comprehensively while enabling customers to easily access new technology. ASM’s VX1 smoothing system is the perfect addition to our portfolio and offers our customers an easy-to-use and high-quality smoothing solution. In addition, the technologies and the two teams complement each other very well, which forms a strong foundation for our joint success. After extensive analysis, we are convinced that the VX1 is the best machine in this segment.”

In recent years, vapor smoothing has established itself as a technology for processing 3D printed plastic parts and has become indispensable in many fields of application. It is said that some requirements for achieving high-quality postprocessed parts can only be met with vapor smoothing. DyeMansion established itself in this field in 2019 with the launch of its Powerfuse S automated smoothing system.

“With DyeMansion, we have found the ideal partner to roll out our technology globally,” says Dr. Jakob Neuhäuser, ASM CEO and co-founder of ASM. “Thanks to DyeMansion’s extensive market access and postprocessing expertise, we are convinced that our VX1 smoothing system will quickly find its way into the production processes of many companies.”

The first established 3D printing service providers are already using the technology. “At FORMRISE, we are seeing a constant increase in demand for high-quality postprocessed parts. Some requirements can only be met with vapor smoothing,” Peter Spitzwieser, FORMRISE managing director. “The VX1 is ideal for starting out as a 3D printing service provider with this technology and enables us to further increase our service portfolio in terms of quantity and quality with a low initial investment.”

In Europe, the VX1 is already available from DyeMansion partners Bechtle Additive Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH und SGSolution AG. Further partners will be added in the coming weeks. The market launch of the system in the USA is planned for next year.

“As a vendor for HP MJF printers and DyeMansion postprocessing solutions, we have long been looking for a user-friendly, entry-level solution for finishing components using chemical smoothing,” says Martin Affolter, SGSolution AG managing director. “The ASM VX1 impresses with its first-class smoothing results, compact design and environmentally-friendly solvents. Coupled with the very simple operation of the VX1 and the cartridge system — which offers maximum flexibility — the system meets all our requirements and is therefore the perfect solution for getting started with chemical smoothing.”

PFAS-Free Solvents

This partnership is said to underline the common goal of ASM and DyeMansion to further develop 3D printing and set high quality standards in postprocessing. An important strategic goal of the partnership is the development and distribution of PFAS-free solvents for vapor smoothing. Both companies are determined to make the future of surface finishing safer and more sustainable by eliminating the use of PFAS.

“The EU, the U.S. and other industrialized nations are taking steps to further regulate the use of PFAS chemicals due to their potential to harm the environment and human health,” Ewald says. “Industrial companies in various sectors are working to eliminate PFAS from their applications. Unfortunately, vapor smoothing is still often based on the use of PFAS solvents. Considering the potential risks to people and the environment in the area of EHS, we believe this is not sustainable. This has to change.”

With this partnership, the two Munich-based companies say they are creating the basis for making vapor smoothing available to a wider audience. The aim is to further boost the growth momentum in powder bed printing of plastics and contribute to a higher adoption rate of the printing technology.