UpNano introduces NanoPro VT: Precise 3D Printing for Industrial Microcomponents

The Austrian company UpNano GmbH unveiled a significant innovation in two-photon polymerization (2PP) 3D printing at Formnext 2024 in Frankfurt. The high-performance NanoPro VT printer enables the serial production of microcomponents with nanometer precision, marking the launch of UpNano’s new NanoPro service—a fully integrated solution for industrial microcomponents.

Bernhard Küenburg, CEO of UpNano at the launch event: “With the development of the NanoPro VT, UpNano is now in the position to offer the first fully integrated 2PP based service for industrial microparts. With over 20 years of experience in 2PP technology, our team is available to collaborate closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions from design via prototyping to serial production including delivery worldwide.”

Previously, 2PP printers like UpNano’s earlier models were primarily used for prototyping and small series production due to long production times and limited material options, which hindered scalability. The NanoPro VT overcomes these limitations with increased production speed, expanded material variety, and advanced process stability. Delivering a throughput of thousands of cubic millimeters per hour with 32 Megavoxels per second, it outperforms other 2PP technologies significantly.

“This outstanding performance”, explains Peter Gruber, CTO of UpNano, “makes it possible to print a million identical parts, or a million parts with individual modifications. In addition, the resolution of the printer allows structures and tolerances below 100 nm. The ability to print the entire surface of 200x200mm substrates is also unique. An automatic lens changer increases flexibility and enables optimized production cycles with the extremely robust NanoPro VT, which operates under ISO 5 cleanroom conditions, is temperature-stable and vibration-isolated.”

The NanoPro service addresses growing demands for miniaturization in manufacturing. Complex designs and stricter production tolerances increasingly challenge existing technologies like DLP and SLA. NanoPro offers a scalable solution, saving customers the need for cleanroom facilities and post-processing equipment while leveraging the latest advances in microfabrication.

Bernhard Küenburg sums up: “In essence, the service we now offer reduces costs for customers by eliminating the need for clean room facilities, post-processing equipment, metrology, and inspection. On top of that, NanoPro also stands for continuous development. While we already offer state-of-the-art production technologies today, the platform will continue to set new standards in the future. The NanoPro service means dedicated partnership, guaranteed excellence, and continuous innovation.”