SAF™ (Selective Absorption Fusion) technology joins the Stratasys line-up
On March 23rd, 2021, Stratasys shared the first details about its upcoming line of powder bed fusion-based 3D printers. The new H Series™ Production Platform will be powered by Selective Absorption Fusion™ technology specifically designed to meet the needs of volume manufacturing. Commercial availability of 3D printers based on SAF™ technology is currently expected in the third quarter of 2021.
SAF is a new industrial-grade additive manufacturing technology that delivers production level throughput for end-use parts. Representing the culmination of more than 10 years of research and development, SAF-based 3D printers can deliver a competitive cost per part at production level throughput and with the part quality, consistency, and reliability that ensures satisfaction and high production yield.
The SAF technology uses a counter-rotating roller to coat powder layers onto a print bed and prints absorber fluid to image the part layers. The imaged layers are fused by passing an IR lamp over the entire span of the print bed. SAF technology executes these key process steps in the same direction across the print bed to provide a uniform thermal experience – and therefore part consistency – for all printed parts regardless of their placement in the build.
Consistent and Efficient Powder Management
SAF technology’s innovative Big Wave™ powder management system ensures the necessary powder is always distributed across the whole print bed, maintaining a large, thermally stable wave of powder. Any overflow powder is quickly recirculated, minimizing powder thermal exposure and reducing powder aging. The result is less fresh powder required and lower operational costs.
Efficient energy absorption fluid with industrial print heads
SAF technology is used to selectively jet high energy-absorption HAF™ fluid onto areas of a layer of powder-form material in just one full-width pass. Industrial piezoelectric print heads jet single or multiple drops of the fluid to produce either fine detail or large areas, without compromising throughput. The technology supports unique, high-specialty, functional fluids to process a broad range of powders. Infrared energy is radiated to fuse the selected areas and the underlying particles. Tight thermal control avoids warping, quality fall-out, and reduces peak temperatures required in the bed, making SAF technology ideal for production.
Adrian Painter, Director at Tri-Tech 3D commented:
This new technology offering under the Stratasys brand is a welcomed addition to what is already a fantastic ‘market leading’ portfolio. FDM with its wide gamut of material options and build envelope is great for certain applications and will still be the right solution for many, but with SAF technology we can explore the potential for customers who wish to benefit from Additive Manufacturing (AM) at production volumes. The fact these printers can work at a higher level throughput but still maintain a competitive cost per part is a game changer. We look forward to being able to offer our customers these fantastic new systems and help expand their use of AM further.
To learn more about the new Stratasys SAF™ technology, or to register your interest for when the systems are released get in touch with our team.
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