WACKER caused a stir on the morning of the second day of the official K 2016 media preview event by announcing it will be bringing silicone 3D printing technology to Düsseldorf in October.
The Munich-based chemical company will be showcasing what it calls a ‘world first’ at K 2016: the first industrial 3D printer for silicones.
Christened the ACEO Imagine Series K, the machine will be in operation in Hall 6, Booth A10 throughout the entire tradeshow, demonstrating the world of opportunities for customisable silicone parts in medical, consumer electronics and biomodelling.
The machine has a build envelope of 500mm x 500mm and runs alongside software of WACKER’s own design. Despite saying the company has worked alongside 3D printing partners to develop the technology, WACKER remained tight-lipped as to who these collaborators are.
WACKER has identified a niche in the market for a mature 3D printing technology for industrial silicone. The 3D printer that will debut at K offering fast print times and a compact size.
“The printer is based on the ACEO technology – a drop-on-demand method developed by WACKER,” said Bernd Pachaly, Head of WACKER’s silicones research and responsible for the ACEO team. “It can be used to make parts and assemblies with complex geometries, as well as ‘impossible products,’ which could not previously be produced. Read More…
