Large format and precise - 3D printers in the office

Cleanroom 3D printer

What was needed: A precise and reliable cleanroom 3D printer for processing thermoplastics
Requirements: Absolutely lubrication-free and maintenance-free, high service life, suitable for cleanrooms, no abrasion, cost efficiency
Success for the customer: Design freedom was gained on all linear guides by utilising the drylin® bearing with exchangeable liners. This has significantly accelerated the design process. The liners prevent unwanted particle release and at the same time offer process stability. The use of suitable rail and shaft guides brought additional advantages in the realisation of the system.

Portable 3D printer

What was needed: A compact, portable 3D printer that can still produce detailed 3D parts
Requirements: Top performance even in tight spaces, no maintenance, 100% lubrication-free, low wear and friction, smooth dry operation, no noise or vibration, no dust or dirt adhesion
Success for the customer: In developing countries and distressed areas, a portable device with high precision is very helpful. It is a radical step forward for dental and medical care. The igus® products in the 3D printer ensure a long service life, clean printing conditions and dry operation without vibration or noise.

3D printer that makes itself

What was needed: A 3D printer that can manufacture its own essential parts quickly and precisely
Requirements: High precision and working speed, no vibration, lightweight, lubrication-free, low friction
Success for the customer: The xBot is aimed at private users as well as schools, universities and industry: "The printer is not only fast and precise, but also high-quality and durable. It can process various materials – from compostable PLA and the standard material ABS to flexible materials such as nylon and rubber-like plastic. The design is solid and all essential components are manufactured in Austria or Germany."

Fabforge Innovations 3D printer

What was needed: A precise and quiet 3D printer that fulfils the conditions for "Made in India"
Requirements: 100% lubrication and maintenance-free, precise, quiet and vibration-free operation, smooth dry operation

Success for the customer:  Fabforge Innovations is a manufacturer of 3D printers based in South India and operates across the country. It used to use linear rails from other manufacturers, but to meet the "Make in India" conditions, Fabforge Innovations changed the design and used igus® products.

3D printed lead screw nut

What was needed: An alternative to metal ball screw nuts that can be manufactured independently using 3D printing
Requirements: 100% lubrication and maintenance-free, quiet operation, easy to manufacture, smooth running, clearance-free
Success for the customer: The design allowed no other way to achieve the set goal. The parameters were prescribed and the final product had to work. Optimising the contact area was crucial to reducing friction. Thread surface hardening reduced it further. After several printing attempts, the print quality was able to be improved.

Mini 3D printer

What was needed: A compact and cost-effective mini 3D printer
Requirements: During printing, a tray must perform extremely precise vertical movements in order to achieve a high print resolution of 50 micrometres. In addition, the smallest possible components had to be found for the compact 3D printer.

Success for the customer: With the help of drylin components, it was possible to develop the Lumi Pocket, a 3D printer that combines an extremely compact design with outstanding print quality and an unbeatable price.