Here is a hybrid additive manufacturing method that we haven’t covered much here before. “Freeforming” Additive Manufacturing methods from ARBURG:
Unlike conventional additive manufacturing techniques, with ARBURG Plastic Freeforming (AKF) standard granulates are melted as in the injection moulding process. The freeformer produces the component without support structures, layer by layer from minuscule droplets. The discharge unit with nozzle remains stationary, while the component carrier moves.
The globally unique AKF process makes use of 3D CAD files, which are read in directly by the freeformer. After start-up, everything else takes place automatically. A nozzle closure with piezo technology builds up the desired component layer by layer from minuscule plastic droplets. During this process, the item under construction is moved by a component carrier with three or five axes.
Highlights
- Unique: fully functional parts are created with minuscule plastic droplets, without a mould
- Versatile: low-cost standard granulates are used instead of expensive special materials
- No support structures: stationary discharge unit and moving component carrier for complex 3D geometries
- Combinable: AKF is also suitable for processing two components, e.g. in moving hard/soft combinations
- Effortless: parts are automatically built up layer by layer on the basis of 3D CAD files
Every Thursday is #3dthursday here at Adafruit! The DIY 3D printing community has passion and dedication for making solid objects from digital models. Recently, we have noticed electronics projects integrated with 3D printed enclosures, brackets, and sculptures, so each Thursday we celebrate and highlight these bold pioneers!
Have you considered building a 3D project around an Arduino or other microcontroller? How about printing a bracket to mount your Raspberry Pi to the back of your HD monitor? And don’t forget the countless LED projects that are possible when you are modeling your projects in 3D!
The Adafruit Learning System has dozens of great tools to get you well on your way to creating incredible works of engineering, interactive art, and design with your 3D printer! If you’ve made a cool project that combines 3D printing and electronics, be sure to let us know, and we’ll feature it here!