Lithoz CeraFab System S320 LCM Printer Designed for Efficient, High-Capacity Industrial Serial Production

Lithoz’s CeraFab System S320 is the latest and biggest addition to its range of lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) 3D printers. The machine’s build platform and build volume are five times larger than the industry-proven CeraFab System S65, making it well suited for the efficient industrial production of midsize technical ceramic parts. Both LCM machines share identical external dimensions.

Because of its large build platform, the S320 enables users to build the largest parts of all Lithoz LCM printers. And when it comes to smaller parts, the company says users can consistently achieve the maximum possible number of parts per print job.

The system features a 60-µm resolution, 245 × 130 × 320 mm build volume and a 4K projection system, making the printer well suited for efficient, high-capacity industrial serial production of midsize ceramic parts. It also offers a build speed of up to 150 layers per hour and layer thickness of 20–200 µm. This large-capacity printer is designed to complement the ultraprecise CeraFab System S65.

A central element of all CeraFab System printers is the database-supported storage and management of all process data, enabling seamless documentation of print jobs. Optional software upgrades enables even better parameter control or adjustment, as well as the structuring of production data and the possibility of real-time process monitoring via real-time remote video transmission.

Visitors to Formnext will be able to examine a showcase of ceramic applications printed on the S320, including single segments of a 15" (380 mm) diameter alumina gas distribution ring from Alumina Systems as used in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The ring performs more effectively than those produced via conventional methods because of the design freedom of LCM technology, which enabled an exceptionally lightweight and thin-walled structure.

Other midsized parts to see include intricate casting cores for the construction of more efficient turbine blades or industrial filter devices. The continuous advancements made in ceramic 3D printing for medicine and dentistry will be underpinned by a chance to see a duplicate of a 3D printed subperiosteal jaw implant. Printed by Lithoz from zirconia, the company says the device was successfully implanted for the first time ever in surgical history earlier this year.