voxeljet AG and FKM optimize HSS technology for industrial 3D printing applications

voxeljet AG has expanded its High Speed Sintering (HSS) network through a partnership with FKM Sintertechnik GmbH. The collaboration, as part of a beta program, aims to optimize the process parameters of the VX1000 HSS, one of the largest polymer-based 3D printers with an ink-based process. FKM, an established 3D printing service provider based in Biedenkopf, Germany, is contributing its many years of expertise to meet the industry’s requirements for mechanical strength, homogeneity and reproducibility.

“From the very beginning, our collaboration with FKM was aimed at maximizing the quality of the components across the very large construction field,” explains Dr. Alfred Grießer, Director of Research and Development at voxeljet. “FKM has been a recognized supplier to a variety of different industries for decades. These include aerospace, the automotive industry and special plant engineering. The joint development and FKM’s wealth of experience as a powder bed specialist now enable our VX1000 HSS to meet the high demands of these industries.”

With an installation space of 1,000 x 540 x 180 mm (for PA12), the VX1000 HSS is one of the most powerful systems of its kind. The HSS process, which is based on powder and ink, combines precise temperature management with a high production speed. Compared to traditional SLS systems, the VX1000 HSS is characterized by improved dimensional accuracy, lower unit costs and the ability to produce large components in high quality. These advances have been achieved through close collaboration between voxeljet and FKM, which aims to maximize component quality.

“FKM has always positioned itself as a pioneer in the introduction of advanced technologies,” emphasizes Jürgen Blöcher, Managing Director of FKM Sintertechnik GmbH. “The HSS technology from voxeljet combines the advantages of two worlds: The precision of SLS and the productivity and reproducibility of binder jetting. The investment in the VX1000 HSS 3D printer enables us to further advance our proven FKM principle: to be able to produce very large components super-fast and/or many small components in record time.”