Boston/Munich, Germany - For the first time since the global launch of pioneering precision micro stereolithography in February 2020, Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) will exhibit its micro-scale 3D printers at the Formnext trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, Nov. 15-18, 2022. Still under wraps is which top-of-the-line model BMF will demonstrate in Hall 11.1 at Booth B38.

Suitable for prototypes as well as final products, the MicroArch series of 3D printers push the limits of resolution, accuracy and precision of additive manufacturing technology and promote miniaturization with new applications in many industries. Compared to conventional manufacturing processes, 3D printers open up advantages in terms of design and topology, manufacturing costs and lead times.

They are based on BMF's patented Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL) process, which combines the advantages of Digital Light Processing (DLP) and stereolithography. A flash of light triggers the rapid photopolymerization of an entire layer of resin. Continuous exposures increase the working speed. Components are built up from the top down in a pool of resin, reducing the need for support structures. The resolution of the optics, the precision of the mechanical components, the exposure control and the resulting curing allow resolutions down to 2µ and a scale fidelity of +_10 microns.

BMF offers an open, uv-curable material system for this technology for numerous desired properties. These include resins that are rigid, tough, high temperature resistant, biocompatible, flexible or even transparent. In addition to engineering and biomedical plastics -hydrogels and composite resins containing ceramic or metal particles can also be used.

The microArch 3D printers are divided into three series according to the achievable resolution. The entry-level model P150 with a resolution of up to 25 µm and lower investment costs is perfect for small, detailed parts. The second series includes printers with a resolution of up to 10 µm and a large installation space for industrial applications.

The highest resolution down to 2 µm is offered by printers such as the microArch S230. Research laboratories and manufacturers who need prototypes or series parts with tight tolerances can thus achieve high detail resolution and design freedom. The high printing speed and a maximum build volume of 50 x 50 x 50 millimeters allow for high economic efficiency.