- The world's first 3D printer that combines previously unattainable productivity with high precision via a continuously rotating print platform, thus pointing the way from prototyping to industrial series production
- This allows components to be produced up to 20 times faster in larger numbers and with a maximum build volume of around 700 liters
- The technology can process a wide variety of materials in a single pass using the Multi Material Jetting process
- The modular design also enables uninterrupted combination with other automated processes, such as assembly with electronic components (pick & place)
Frankfurt am Main/Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen/Wesel, November 14, 2019 – The specialty chemicals group ALTANA and the up-and-coming 3D printer manufacturer dp polar are presenting a world first "made in Germany" at formnext, the leading international trade fair for additive manufacturing, in Frankfurt am Main.
AMpolar® i2 is the world's first 3D printing system with a continuously rotating print platform. In contrast to previous processes, it is not the print head that moves, but the area on which printing takes place. This produces high-precision components up to 20 times faster in larger quantities and with a build volume of approximately 700 liters. In addition, a wide variety of customer-specific materials can be processed in a single pass using the Multi Material Jetting process. The technology also makes it possible to equip parts produced in this way with electronic components without interruption if required (pick and place process). This combination of properties is unmatched in 3D printing. The AMpolar® i2 thus points the way from prototyping to industrial series production.
“Our 3D production machine AMpolar® i2 currently has the largest build area and the largest installation space in the field of material jetting,” says Dr. Florian Löbermann, Managing Director of dp polar GmbH. "Combined with ALTANA's know-how in material development, we are bringing a 3D printing solution to market that will give customers from a wide variety of sectors, including the automotive, aerospace, and medical technology industries, completely new possibilities for manufacturing their products.
ALTANA acquired a stake in dp polar in 2017 and has since worked closely with the technology company based in Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen near Karlsruhe. “The extremely close cooperation between mechanical engineering, machine development, and material development makes it possible to develop individual solutions for our customers and their specific requirements,” says Dr. Petra Severit, Chief Technology Officer of ALTANA AG. “In material development, we are focusing on our core competencies and at the same time expanding the application spectrum of our solutions in the highly innovative field of 3D printing.”
With the 3D printing innovation for industrial production now being presented, it will be possible in the future to print individually adapted orthoses, for example, economically and in large quantities. Orthoses are supporting structures outside the body (orthopedic prostheses) that require stiff and flexible materials. Orthoses must be adjusted regularly, especially for children.
Facts and figures about the AMpolar® i2 printing system:
| Printing technology | Material jetting |
| Printing process: | High Speed Rotative Process (HSR) |
| Printing width: | Max. 420 mm |
| Printing area: | 2.0 m2 (scalable) |
| Layer thickness: | 4-25 µm |
| Build resolution (xyz): | Up to 720 x 720 x 5,000 dpi |
| Net build volume: | 700 liters |
| Productivity: | Max. 10 liters per hour |
A video of the new technology is available at www.dppolar.de
About ALTANA:
ALTANA is a global leader in true specialty chemicals. The Group offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions for coating manufacturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and packaging industries, the cosmetics sector and the electrical and electronics industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments. ALTANA's four divisions, BYK, ECKART, ELANTAS, and ACTEGA, all occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation and service.
Headquartered in Wesel, Germany, the ALTANA Group has 47 production facilities and 60 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the Group more than 6,400 people work to ensure the worldwide success of ALTANA. In 2018, ALTANA achieved sales of €2.3 billion. About 7 percent of sales are invested in research and development every year. Its high earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most innovative, fastest growing, and profitable chemical companies in the world.
About dp polar:
dp polar is a dynamic, fast-growing technology company from Germany that develops 3D printing systems for industrial series production for the automotive, medical technology, aerospace, mechanical engineering, and consumer goods industries. dp polar's state-of-the-art additive manufacturing (AM) solutions meet the requirements of mass production of components and systems, improve supply chain efficiency, and reduce total cost of ownership. As a reliable and innovative partner, dp polar is successful in the AM ecosystem.