An advanced new 3D printing technology has been shown off to the public for the first time at this week’s TED conference in Vancouver.
Developed by previously unknown company Carbon3D, the new 3D printing technology promises to significantly reduce the amount of time which it takes to 3D print objects.
This technology, which they call Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP), uses light and oxygen to selectively cure a polymer resin. Targeted UV light is shone into a pool of liquid polymer, allowing for the continuous extrusion of an object.
Carbon3D believes that its new 3D printing technology, which was reportedly inspired by the film Terminator 2, is 25-100 times faster than traditional 3D printing processes and up to 1,000 times stronger.
3D printing and additive manufacturing equipment is becoming increasingly more affordable and versatile, entering a number of different industries and as a result driving UK manufacturing into the future.
From techniques such as laser sintering to fused deposition modelling, and building products from cars to football cleats, advanced technology is set to completely revolutionise manufacturing as we know it.
This year’s 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Conference will focus on the benefits of investing in advanced technology; including reductions in time and costs; how to create an engaged workforce focused on the future of manufacturing, and what equipment is suited to you.
The conference will include case study presentations, problem solving debates and interactive sessions suitable for everyone, from the first time user to the more experienced manufacturer.
The must attend event if you are looking to explore how 3D printing and additive manufacturing can grow your business.
“Current 3D printing technology has failed to deliver on its promise to revolutionize manufacturing,” said Dr. Joseph DeSimone, CEO and Co-Founder of Carbon3D.
Printing at these speeds could potentially revolutionise manufacturing, allowing companies to rapidly prototype new parts, and test them in mere minutes.
Additionally, unlike conventional 3D printing which relies on layers upon layers of a substrate material, CLIP prints continuously. This results in an end product which closely resembles injection-moulded plastic parts, and has none of the microscopic faults of traditional 3D printed objects.
DeSimone hopes that CLIP will have a significant industrial impact.
“Our CLIP technology offers the game-changing speed, consistent mechanical properties and choice of materials required for complex commercial quality parts.”
Investor Interest
Carbon3D has been reportedly working on the CLIP technology for the better part of 2 years, while remaining almost completely under the radar.
This being said it has managed to secure at least $40m of seed funding from Northgate Capital and Sequoia Capital. These investors hope the technology can help make 3D printing a more mainstream manufacturing choice.
“If 3D printing hopes to break out of the prototyping niche it has been trapped in for decades, we need to find a disruptive technology that attacks the problem from a fresh perspective and addresses 3D printing’s fundamental weaknesses,” said Sequoia partner Jim Goetz.
Carbon3D is yet to announce when the first CLIP devices will be commercially available.
