Large-Format M1000 Offers Multimaterial Printing for High-Performance Thermoplastics

The M1000 is a large-format industrial 3D printer that brings together the expertise of Multec’s patented HexaMove 6-fold printing head with a high-end machine from the special machine manufacturer Reichenbacher. The system offers a large building volume, high-quality insulation, innovative construction space heating and advanced printing head technology. 

The strengths of the M1000 system also include effective heating of the printing space combined with powerful cooling of the printing head and drive components. For a good bonding of the first layer, heating of the building platform to 250°C is possible as well as heating of the building chamber to 350°C. This prevents stresses when printing high-performance plastics processed with hotends that can be heated up to 400°C. The cooling of the printing head, axes and electronics — as well as all components that without insulation and cooling are subject to rapid failure at high temperatures — to 80°C is important for the long-lasting functioning of the machine. 

The patented multiple printing head transfers the flexibility, precision and efficiency of modern machine tools to 3D printing. The filament change is fully automatic via a magazine in which the printing head acts like a toolchanging head. Multec has developed and patented a special closing technology for the nozzles to prevent them from dripping and spilling on surfaces. This means the printing head no longer needs cleaning cycles, and one hotend after the other can work without interruption. This magazine permits not only a wide variety of material combinations but also the use of different nozzle types and sizes in a single printing process.

The system enables the printing of Ultem or PEEK and other plastics that combine exceptional strength with temperature resistance as well as good resistance to chemicals. These materials are well suited for the technical applications of the aerospace, medical engineering, railroad and military industries. The demands placed on high-performance components (such as wheel housings, air ducts or prototype components in the engine sector of the defense industry) can be enormous. These components must have a high temperature resistance of over 150°C in continuous use as well as good mechanical properties in terms of density, elasticity and yield stress.

The system features a large building area of 1,000 × 1,000 × 1,000 mm (W x L x H) and offers high-speed printing head with the 6 hotends to generate 3 to 5 times higher volume flows. It also has a high degree of automation, offering flexibile production, short lead times and low investment costs, both in terms of acquisition and energy costs. The system can be used 24/7 for prototyping, but also for the small series production of large components. It is also well suited for casting molds or autoclave tools.