The Virtual Foundry Awarded Patent for its FDM/FFF Metal 3D Printing System
The Virtual Foundry recently won a patent for its proprietary process for extruding metal, glass or ceramic powder with a thermoplastic binder into continuous filament suitable for use in fused filament 3D printers. Once an object is printed using this hybrid material, it is sintered to remove the plastic binder. This process produces an object of consistently high purity – up to 98% of the base material.
The Virtual Foundry’s plastic-infused metal, ceramic and glass filaments have the potential to revolutionize metal additive manufacturing, because they enable objects to be 3D printed on inexpensive FDM equipment. This breakthrough has been made possible by continuing advancements in powdered metallurgy and sintering practices.
“Together, our hybrid filaments, FDM printers and sintering ovens represent a new, more affordable, open-source platform for metal additive manufacturing,” explains Bradley Woods, founder of The Virtual Foundry. “We believe they will have an impact on every category of manufacturing, from aerospace and medical to general foundry and tooling applications,” he adds.
The Virtual Foundry’s patented approach enables manufacturers to significantly cut product development times. It’s now possible to create functional metal prototype parts in a few days, compared to several weeks to machine a part using subtractive manufacturing.
This breakthrough also significantly lowers the barrier to entry for manufacturers who want to begin experimenting with metal additive manufacturing.
“At the turn of the 20th century, Henry Ford’s assembly line approach revolutionized manufacturing and reduced the cost of new automobiles by an order of magnitude. We believe our platform will have a similar impact on the field of metal additive manufacturing,” Woods predicts.
You can read the patent here: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2018/0193912.html
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Overview of The Virtual Foundry's Patent
The Virtual Foundry's recent patent represents a significant advancement in the field of metal 3D printing technology. This proprietary process allows for the creation of extrudable filaments that combine metal, glass, or ceramic powders with a thermoplastic binder, making it suitable for use in standard FDM/FFF printers.
This innovation not only streamlines the production process but also makes metal additive manufacturing more accessible to a broader range of industries. By reducing the cost and complexity associated with traditional methods, The Virtual Foundry is positioned to transform manufacturing practices across various sectors, including aerospace and medical applications.
Impact on the 3D Printing Industry
The introduction of extrudable metal filaments could redefine the landscape of 3D printing, particularly for small to medium-sized manufacturers. By enabling the use of affordable FDM printers for metal printing, The Virtual Foundry is lowering barriers to entry and fostering innovation in manufacturing.
This shift could lead to faster prototyping and production times, allowing companies to bring products to market more efficiently. The implications of this technology extend beyond cost savings, as it encourages experimentation and adoption of metal 3D printing in various applications, from custom tooling to intricate aerospace components.
Applications of Extrudable Metal Filaments
Extrudable metal filaments open up a wide range of applications in various industries. For instance, in aerospace, manufacturers can create lightweight yet strong components that meet stringent safety and performance standards. Similarly, the medical field can benefit from custom implants and devices tailored to individual patient needs.
Additionally, the versatility of these filaments allows for experimentation with different materials and designs, paving the way for innovative solutions in foundry work and tooling. As more industries adopt this technology, the potential for new applications will continue to grow, driving further advancements in metal additive manufacturing.
Future Prospects of Metal 3D Printing
The future of metal 3D printing looks promising, especially with innovations like those introduced by The Virtual Foundry. As the technology matures, we can expect to see improvements in material properties, printing speeds, and overall efficiency, which will further enhance its appeal to manufacturers.
Moreover, ongoing research and development in this field may lead to the discovery of new materials and techniques that expand the capabilities of metal 3D printing. This evolution could not only enhance existing manufacturing processes but also inspire entirely new business models and applications in various sectors.
stratasys, reprap, custom, foundry 3d printing, the virtual foundry, additive manufacturing
fdm patent, 3d printing patent, patent metal, 3d printer patents, foundry 3d printing, fff ceramic, patented 3d, 3d printer patent
Overview of The Virtual Foundry's Patent
The Virtual Foundry's recent patent represents a significant advancement in the field of metal 3D printing technology. This proprietary process allows for the creation of extrudable filaments that combine metal, glass, or ceramic powders with a thermoplastic binder, making it suitable for use in standard FDM/FFF printers.
This innovation not only streamlines the production process but also makes metal additive manufacturing more accessible to a broader range of industries. By reducing the cost and complexity associated with traditional methods, The Virtual Foundry is positioned to transform manufacturing practices across various sectors, including aerospace and medical applications.
Impact on the 3D Printing Industry
The introduction of extrudable metal filaments could redefine the landscape of 3D printing, particularly for small to medium-sized manufacturers. By enabling the use of affordable FDM printers for metal printing, The Virtual Foundry is lowering barriers to entry and fostering innovation in manufacturing.
This shift could lead to faster prototyping and production times, allowing companies to bring products to market more efficiently. The implications of this technology extend beyond cost savings, as it encourages experimentation and adoption of metal 3D printing in various applications, from custom tooling to intricate aerospace components.
Applications of Extrudable Metal Filaments
Extrudable metal filaments open up a wide range of applications in various industries. For instance, in aerospace, manufacturers can create lightweight yet strong components that meet stringent safety and performance standards. Similarly, the medical field can benefit from custom implants and devices tailored to individual patient needs.
Additionally, the versatility of these filaments allows for experimentation with different materials and designs, paving the way for innovative solutions in foundry work and tooling. As more industries adopt this technology, the potential for new applications will continue to grow, driving further advancements in metal additive manufacturing.
Future Prospects of Metal 3D Printing
The future of metal 3D printing looks promising, especially with innovations like those introduced by The Virtual Foundry. As the technology matures, we can expect to see improvements in material properties, printing speeds, and overall efficiency, which will further enhance its appeal to manufacturers.
Moreover, ongoing research and development in this field may lead to the discovery of new materials and techniques that expand the capabilities of metal 3D printing. This evolution could not only enhance existing manufacturing processes but also inspire entirely new business models and applications in various sectors.
