Kumovis launches first 3D production printer with clean room integration

The company focuses on additive manufacturing machines for individualized medical products from high-performance plastics. Now the first 3D printer goes into series production.

Kumovis has developed its R1 3D printer to enable medical technicians to efficiently produce implants and other products using additive manufacturing that is adapted to the industry’s needs. With the integrated temperature control and filter system, users can create a clean room environment in the build chamber, thereby meeting the strict requirements for the manufacturing of patient-adapted medical products. Kumovis R1 is available as of now.

The patented temperature management system in the 3D printer enables the user to heat the build chamber homogeneously up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit, which improves the layer adhesion in the respective medical product, among other things. Kumovis also offers customers the option of turning the build chamber into a clean room in aid of an optional filter. In this way, defects caused by foreign particles in the component can be avoided. All systems for comprehensive monitoring are integrated, ensuring documentation and safety throughout the entire printing process.

Process optimization and reliability have been a priority at the Munich-based start-up ever since it was founded. “With the Kumovis R1, we are excited to provide medical technologists with a resource-efficient additive manufacturing system that meets their high requirements, and what is more, leads FLM processing of high-performance plastics to industrial maturity,” said co-founder Stefan Leonhardt. Since 2017, he has been heading Kumovis together with Miriam Haerst. “In addition, with partners such as the software experts from Hyperganic, we will be able to provide rapid access to individualized medical products, and consequently help creating added value for patients and doctors alike,” he added.

Reinventing medical applications

Good reproducible mechanics and dimensional accuracy are necessary to make the implants fit more adaptively, thus improving the healing process of the patients. In the Kumovis R1, a local cooling system enabled by the start-up’s own hardware as well as software from Hyperganic contributes to this. The latter’s managing director Lin Kayser said: “Hyperganic works closely with printer manufacturers to enable far-reaching innovations. From the beginning, I have been impressed by the vision of the Kumovis founders to reinvent additive manufacturing for medical applications through new materials and advanced process technology. We are convinced of that and look forward to intensifying our collaboration with them.”

With the software-based print control named Hyperganic Print, Kumovis enables the users to optimize the prints across the part. The interface is moreover designed to allow them to customize and automate their processes. Whether print preparation, orientation of the product or technical support, medical interests and procedures were in focus during the entire development. The Kumovis R1 has been available since August 1, 2019, via direct sales or as a subscription model. Three machines are already in use at pilot customers.