There’s a new industrial 3D printer from ExOne.
ExOne, if you recall, was a producer of sand 3D printers, typically used to create molds for casting metal. The company was independent for many years, but then was acquired by Desktop Metal in 2021. Desktop Metal was then acquired by Nano Dimension, including ExOne. Later, Nano Dimension sold off ExOne’s assets to Anzu Partners.
Since all this corporate kerfuffle took place, we hadn’t heard much from ExOne. But now we do, as they have announced a new 3D printing platform, the S-Print Pro.
The system is described as “compact”, although it occupies “under 12 m2 of floor space”. Remember, this is an industrial machine, and the company’s other systems are even bigger.
The S-Print Pro has a large build volume of 1200 x 750 x 400 mm, and can print the whole volume in “less than one shift”. The printhead has 400 dpi resolution, meaning that the system should be capable of significant surface detail. For materials, this is a highly specialized machine that prints silica sand with furan binder. They also provide compatibility with CeraBeads and silicon carbide materials.
ExOne describes a new technology they call “StepX”, which apparently provides surface smoothing during print jobs. This will reduce the layer lines effect, and provide a smoother surface for metal casting.
It appears ExOne has also taken several steps to make operation of the S-Print Pro easier. For example, they have two material canisters operating, which should keep the machine running instead of waiting for a swap. The printhead modules are also designed to be operator-replaceable, which should simplify maintenance.
Why build this system? It seems that ExOne believes there is a market for a smaller system. They say that the S-Print Pro is the lowest-cost system they’ve ever released, and that could be attractive to smaller foundries that could not otherwise afford more expensive gear.
This looks like a good move by ExOne. If they’ve identified there is a need for this size of machine, they can now address it.
Via ExOne and BusinessWire
