3D printing service provider FKM Sintertechnik has expanded its manufacturing capabilities with the commissioning of a VX1000 HSS from Voxeljet. The High-Speed Sintering (HSS) process enables faster and more cost-effective production of functional polymer components, which have traditionally been manufactured using injection molding. With this investment, FKM aims to produce medium to large series of parts made from Polyamide 12 and other technical plastics more efficiently.
The VX1000 HSS is designed for continuous operation under industrial conditions and utilizes a bidirectional printhead system in combination with infrared energy to selectively fuse polymer powder. With a build volume of 1,000 x 540 x 400 mm, the machine allows for the fabrication of complex geometries with high precision and sharp edges. Its short layer cycles significantly reduce production times. Jürgen Blöcher, Managing Director of FKM, sees this technology as a valuable addition to existing manufacturing processes.
“With the investment in this highly innovative 3D printer, we are among the first companies in Germany to enter High-Speed Sintering. This technology elevates our additive manufacturing capabilities to a performance level that was previously reserved for plastic injection molding,” explains Jürgen Blöcher, Managing Director of FKM.
The new system has been seamlessly integrated into FKM’s existing machine park, which already includes 30 polymer sintering systems and 17 metal sintering systems. The modular design of the VX1000 HSS facilitates scalability and ensures high process reliability. Advanced sensors and digital process monitoring enable continuous quality control and improve the reproducibility of parts.
“From our perspective, this HSS printer is the optimal solution for producing larger volumes of functional serial parts, which until now could only be manufactured using injection molding. It achieves a performance level that significantly reduces unit costs for additively manufactured polymer components and makes them cost-competitive with conventional methods, even for larger series—especially when dealing with complex structures featuring undercuts and frequent design variations,” says Jürgen Blöcher.
In addition to Polyamide 12, other technical plastics can be processed once they have undergone the necessary qualification. The HSS printer is suitable for series production as well as for the manufacturing of prototypes, pre-series components, or on-demand spare parts.
“Thanks to Voxeljet’s modular and highly flexible manufacturing concept, the scalability of the printer, and advanced sensor technology, the VX1000 HSS was seamlessly integrated into our established production environment. This allows us to fully uphold our commitment to process reliability, traceability, and availability for our customers,” emphasizes Jürgen Blöcher.
With this investment, FKM continues to strengthen its technological expertise in additive manufacturing. The decision to adopt High-Speed Sintering highlights the growing importance of economical and flexible production processes that are emerging as viable alternatives to conventional methods such as injection molding.
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