活页夹3D打印机制造商ExOnehas announced that it has acquired the assets of ‘AMClad’ tooling manufacturerFreshmade 3D.
该初创公司使用Exone的系统开发了一种专利的方法，该方法快速3D打印砂形式可产生耐用工具，以降低30-50％的成本。Exone购买了新生3D流程的权利后，现在旨在扩展技术，以满足其在航空航天，汽车，建筑和能源领域的需求。
Exone首席执行官约翰·哈特纳（John Hartner）说：“我们很高兴为我们的投资组合添加新生3D的专利工艺，以创建耐用的3D打印工具。”“我们计划为全球航空航天客户扩展此过程，后者打算将此工具用于复合零件。对于希望缩短供应链，生产工具和最终产品的公司，这是理想的解决方案。”
ExOne’s scalable growth drive
在过去的六个月中，Exone利用了粘合剂喷射中所显示的兴趣的增加，这要归功于桌面金属’s IPO, to address new clients and achieve11% annual growth. Earlier this year, for instance, the firm was contracted by theU.S. Department of Defenseto create a便携式3D打印工厂， 后安装创新+机器for service bureauFreeFORM Technologies.
On the hardware front, ExOne has also been on the front foot this year, working withRapidiato integrate ‘two-step technology’进入新的Metal Designlab and X1F furnacesystems. Additionally, the firm has continued to build on its large-format portfolio, unveiling an updated 800 x 500 x 400mm version of itsX1 160Pro系统，设置为2022版。
在较短的任期中，该公司试图与行业合作伙伴紧密合作，以加快对其现有技术的升级研发。例如，Exone已许可新颖的粘合剂喷射过程从橡树岭国家实验室(ORNL), and worked with福特to make a“breakthrough” in 3D printing aluminum.
However, with its acquisition of Freshmade 3D’s assets, ExOne is now taking a more forward approach, by directly purchasing the technology to ensure exclusive access. The firm’s aggressive stance can somewhat be explained by the AMClad process’ broad potential tooling applications, which include vacuum forming, compression molding, urethane casting, sheet metal stamping and more.
Freshmade’s ‘AMClad’ technology
成立于2016年的一部分Youngstown Business Incubatorproject, and backed initially byAmerica Makes，新生3D在过去的四年中磨练其AMCLAD流程。该公司的新颖方法基本上利用了Exone的沙子3D打印机的速度和规模，可以直接从CAD模型中创建复杂的零件而无需硬工具。
Once printed, the resulting products are then transformed into robust, functional tools and prototypes using a unique process that simultaneously infiltrates and coats their outer shape. In the past, the technology has been used to developstrong-yet-smooth EPC materials, and within architectural 3D printing, but following its acquisition it’s now expected to be applied as a means of creating large industrial tooling.
ExOne anticipates that using AMClad 3D printing, it could be possible to wipe months off tooling R&D times, while making it 50% cheaper to produce. In fact, the firm has been developing tooling for its industrial systems since 2014, but now believes that Freshmade 3D’s approach could broaden the appeal of sand instruments elsewhere.
新生3D联合创始人Rich Wetzel补充说：“我们推出了Amclad的想法，即使用Sand 3D打印技术更快地提供硬工具。”“ Exone是加速这项技术的最佳公司，因为我们为决定利用解决方案来更快地实现生产目标的客户扩大规模。”
3D printing’s binder jetting rivalry
Although ExOne has significantly expanded its portfolio over the last year, the firm still faces stiff competition from its binder jetting rivals. Since going public last year, Desktop Metal has raised $580 million in funding, allowing it to build on its offering as well, notably including the development of a新的可烧铝粉和统一实验室.
Fresh investment in the company has also allowed it to expand into the DLP 3D printing market, via the3亿美元收购EnvisionTec. Another of ExOne’s competitors,voxeljet, has similarly reported reasons for financial optimism, including abacklog of nine 3D printer orderstotalling some €6.8 million heading into FY 2021.
Elsewhere,GE Additivecontinues to grow itsBinder Jet Beta Partner Program，邀请全球工程小组Sandvikonto the scheme in October 2020. Within the project, Sandvik has agreed to work closely with GE Additive to become a certified powder supplier for its upcoming H2 Binder Jet platform, which is set to launch later this year.
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Featured image shows an AMClad vacuum forming tool. Photo via ExOne.
