At the upcoming Formnext event, 3D printing specialist Lithoz, in collaboration with Evove, will showcase new ceramic filter membranes created using the new Lithoz CeraFab S320 system.
Evove, a company active in filtration technology, used this additive manufacturing solution to develop its Separonics membranes, which, according to the company, enable energy savings of up to 80 percent and a five-fold increase in performance compared to conventional solutions. The developed filter modules consist of 20 individual membrane segments that reach a total length of one meter, making it the largest application of Lithoz LCM technology.
Lithoz’ Lithography-based Ceramic Manufacturing (LCM) technology enables the production of high-precision ceramic filter membranes with a controlled pore size, which is crucial for the optimal recovery of water and lithium. The design freedom of the LCM process has allowed complex geometric structures to be realized, enabling higher flow rates and selectivity. Compared to conventional polymer filters, the 3D-printed ceramic parts made of aluminum oxide offer greater resistance to high temperatures, aggressive chemicals and mechanical wear. This increases the service life of the filters and reduces maintenance requirements – a significant advantage for the demanding reprocessing of industrial wastewater.
Andrew Walker, Evove CCO, stated: “Water touches 60% of global GDP, and the ability to recycle even the most challenging of feeds is a lynchpin of the circular economy and decarbonization. Ceramic materials offer great advantages but, until now, have suffered from the high cost of manufacture and susceptibility to random filtration performances. With Lithoz 3D printing technology, it’s proven that we can precision engineer and manufacture cost effectively at scale.”
The new filter membranes were manufactured on the Lithoz CeraFab S320 system, which will be unveiled at Formnext 2024. This system has the largest build platform in the Lithoz LCM product range and enables the industrial production of medium-sized ceramic components with a resolution of 60 micrometers and a 4K projection resolution. According to Evove board member Andrew Walker, the development of ceramic filter technology is a key contribution to the circular economy and decarbonization. The precise customization and manufacturing of filter membranes using Lithoz technology opens up new possibilities for cost-efficient production on a large scale.
Lithoz CEO Dr. Johannes Homa expressed his excitement over the success of this game-changing project, stating, “Disruptive breakthroughs like this are crucial in today’s world, as they improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce resource waste. We’re seeing ever more ceramic solutions for challenges in manufacturing, as they are used where other materials fail. We’re proud to have provided the technology that enabled this success story in sustainability!”
Visitors to Formnext 2024 can see the power of this new technology for themselves at the Lithoz stand C49 in hall 11.1.
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