Fibre reinforced FDM for parts-on-demand

The FX-20 prints the flame-retardant, high-performance thermoplastic material with Ultem 9085 filament in combination with Markforged’s propriety continuous fibre reinforcement printing technology for high-strength, heat resistant, and higher performance parts that can meet the needs of the most demanding industries such as aerospace, defence, automotive, and oil and gas.
 
As the biggest and fastest, 3D printer Markforged has ever produced, the FX20 pairs size and throughput to make larger parts at increased speeds. This new technology, alongside high-temperature printing capabilities, elevates Markforged’s Digital Forge platform from accessible industrial-strength composite manufacturing to robust production applications. The FX20 has a heated build chamber capable of maintaining up to a 200°C temperature and the capacity to print parts up to 525 mm x 400 mm x 400 mm. The FX20 is up to eight times faster than the default print settings on Markforged’s existing line of composite printers and prints nearly five times larger builds than its next largest printer, the X7.
 
Bringing together Ultem 9085 filament with Markforged’s proprietary continuous fibre reinforcement technology will help manufacturers move from augmenting manufacturing operations with composite 3D printing to replacing entire segments of the supply chain by bringing strong, accurate parts that solve demanding, end-use applications right where needed.

Wind turbine manufacturer Vestas plans to use the FX20 with existing Markforged composite materials and the new Ultem 9085 filament to print stronger, higher volume parts.
 
“The Digital Forge has given Vestas a powerful platform to circumvent expensive, multi-step, and time-consuming conventional manufacturing methodology,” said Jeremy Haight, principal engineer at Vestas. “When you factor in design iterations, these conventional parts are obsolete in a year or two. With the FX20 and Ultem 9085, we will be able to design and manufacture larger, stronger parts, press a button and take that part right off the print bed to use it immediately with the confidence that it is very durable and robust.”

“Markforged continues to build on our innovative legacy and lead the way in composite 3D printing — the future of manufacturing. With the releases of the FX20 and continuous fibre reinforced Ultem 9085 filament, we’re now fulfilling that promise to manufacturers who previously, in the most demanding environments, were unable to experience the benefits of the Digital Forge and our unique materials,” said Shai Terem, president and CEO of Markforged. “By helping move composites toward robust production, we’ll unlock more functional parts, made of stronger materials of even more impressive size, with applications from the factory floor to flight.”
 
The FX20 and Ultem 9085 filament are expected to ship worldwide in the first half of 2022.

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Ultem and 9085 are trademarks used under license from SABIC, its affiliates and subsidiaries.