Primarily based in Lingenau, western Austria, start-up VENOX Programs has give you a 5-axis 3D printer able to printing a variety of thermoplastics, together with steady fibers. Its particular function is a head-changing system that provides entry to a number of instruments for various manufacturing choices. In creating this machine, the startup goals to satisfy power challenges in additive manufacturing. Certainly, it could be able to depositing fibers – carbon, glass, aramid – alongside the half’s load path, thus providing a really fascinating weight-to-strength ratio for a lot of industries. We met the co-founder of this younger Austrian firm, Nicolai Wampl, to seek out out extra about this printing course of and its doable functions.
3DN: Might you introduce your self and inform us about your connection to additive manufacturing?
My identify is Nicolai Wampl and I’m co-founder of VENOX Programs. My journey with additive manufacturing started after I met the opposite co-founders of VENOX. They’d developed a 3D printing system able to printing with thermoplastic supplies and steady fibers. After overcoming the preliminary challenges, we sought monetary assist to convey our know-how to an industrial stage. Acquiring funding beneath an Austrian program marked a decisive turning level for our firm.
The VENOX Programs workforce
3DN: How did the concept for VENOX Programs come about?
A number of years in the past, when industrial 3D printing was beginning to go mainstream, we took a have a look at the obstacles stopping 3D printing from competing with conventional manufacturing. We recognized three main issues with FDM/FFF know-how: half power, manufacturing pace and floor high quality. We got down to resolve the primary drawback: power.
3DN: Are you able to inform us extra about your machine?
Our new machine, the V-REX (VENOX-Revolutionary Extrusion System), boasts a number of distinctive options. Drawing on our expertise in mechanical engineering, we got down to create extra than simply an extrusion printer with a brand new gadget. Drawing inspiration from conventional manufacturing, we launched a head-changing system that allows six totally different instruments for use in a single manufacturing course of.
The V-REX 3D printer
These instruments vary from numerous FDM printheads to our unique CFFP (Collision-Free Fiber Placement) course of, which permits the printing of steady fibers comparable to carbon. Whereas different machines can print steady fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, our 5-axis gantry system is totally different. Carbon fibers and composites have anisotropic properties, that means their power varies with path. Conventional 3-axis printers can solely reinforce components on the planar stage, which interprets into low Z-axis power. Our 5-axis machine permits us to acquire stronger components. It permits us to align the fibers alongside the half’s load path, leading to light-weight, high-strength components.
3DN: What supplies are appropriate with the VENOX Programs machine?
Our machine can print most thermoplastics with melting temperatures under 500°C, in addition to composite supplies comparable to carbon, aramid and fiberglass. As well as, it will possibly print with wires as an alternative of fibers to include electrical options, though this functionality continues to be beneath growth. We’ve efficiently produced the primary demonstration components.
The machine is appropriate with a variety of thermoplastics
3DN: How does your machine reply to the challenges dealing with 3D printing customers?
Our machine meets a number of main challenges. It’s fully open, each by way of materials and software program flexibility, enabling customers to maximise the know-how’s potential. The V-REX is designed for mass manufacturing of end-use components, providing increased high quality and performance than easy prototyping.
3DN: Any final phrases for our readers?
By introducing this know-how to the trade, we provide not solely the machine, but in addition the printing as a service. You probably have a venture for which the burden/resistance ratio is crucial, we’re the answer: don’t hesitate to go to our website HERE.
VENOX Programs additionally provides a 3D printing service
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*All Picture Credit: VENOX Programs
