UPM demonstrates large scale robot-based 3D printing applications in collaboration with ABB and Prenta at Nordic 3D Expo in Espoo Dipoli Congress Centre.
Large scale granulate-based 3D printing opens new possibilities for designers and manufacturers. The robot based granulate printing enables time- and cost-efficient fabrication of large-scale 3D parts with short lead-time. Potential business areas include for example furniture design, molding or boat industry.
"An industrial robot printing together with UPM Formi 3D biocomposite enables large components to be 3D printed with high geometrical tolerances. The PrentaRobo is designed for the manufacturing industry as a tool to create new and cost efficient products," says Riku Rusanen, CEO, Prenta Finland.
ABB Robotics has played an important role in developing the innovative robot-based 3D printing system. ABB is the leading supplier of industrial robots and robot software, equipment and complete application solutions.
"This is a pioneering technological innovation that represents the next level in large scale industrial 3D printing. We've made possible to use an extrusion head in our IRB6700 6-axis robot to create a 3D printing system that's ideal for very precise and large scale additive manufacturing. External axes and trackmotion have been added to achieve an even bigger working area. Users can then control the extrusion head and create printing paths with our 3D simulation program RobotStudio, the industry's leading PC-based solution for offline programming, configuration and virtual commissioning," says Pasi Kukkonen, Product Manager, ABB Oy Robotics.
The biocomposite technology is evolving
UPM Formi 3D grades been specially developed for 3D printing. It brings together advanced cellulose fibre and biopolymer technologies.
UPM Formi 3D is produced and sold in granule form directly for fused granular fabrication (FGF) or to producers of 3D filaments. Granulate based printing with ABB industrial robot together with UPM biocomposite is already in use for example in Sweden by 3D makerspace The Wood Region.
"Together with our partners, we are exploring the new possibilities in the fileld of large scale 3D printing. Large scale 3D printing techology is fast evolving and we are part of the evolution with our biocomposite technology offering new woodbased materials for the markets," says Eve Saarikoski, Applications Manager, UPM Biocomposites.
UPM Formi 3D's low shrinkage and self supporting melt flow up to enabling printing up to 75 degree ensures that large objects with round or other complex shapes can be printed without warpage problems even directly to plywood surface.
Wood like post processing of prints is another benefit of the biocomposite: Prints can easily finalized by conventional wood processing methods.
UPM Formi 3D grades are 100% recyclable and also available with FSC® and PEFC(TM) certification.
On the 3 and 4 April 2019, UPM Formi 3D will be presented at the NORDIC 3D EXPO at the Dipoli Conference Center in Espoo in Finland. At the exhibition, UPM Biocomposites, ABB Finland and Prenta will be pleased to provide further information.
For further information please contact:
Eve Saarikoski, Applications Manager, 3D Printing, UPM Biocomposites: Tel: +358 408 352 395, eve.saarikoski@upm.com
UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9.00-16.00 EET
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com
UPM Biocomposites
UPM Biocomposites creates value from renewable and recyclable materials by combining expertise and technologies within fibre based engineered materials businesses. UPM Biocomposites consists of UPM ProFi outdoor products for construction and UPM Formi granulates for injection moulding and extrusion. UPM Biocomposites factories are located in Finland and Germany. www.upmprofi.com. www.upmformi.com
UPM
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. We employ around 19,000 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10.5 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore - Beyond fossils. www.upm.com
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ABB
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader with a comprehensive offering for digital industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB is today a leader in digital industries with four customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by its common ABB Ability(TM) digital platform. ABB's market leading Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees.
Prenta Oy
Prenta Oy is a Finnish technology industry company focused in 3D-printing. Prenta is specialized in large scale FGF-printing and combining robotics with 3D-printing. Prenta designs and manufactures FDM-technology 3D-printers and also provides a variety of 3D-related services. Prenta was established in 2014 and it employs 6 people.
NORDIC3DEXPO
NORDIC3DEXPO, is an international trade fair for 3D printing and 3D technologies. The exhibition will take place from 3 to 4 April 2019 at the Dipoli Conference Centre in Espoo. The target visitor groups are companies that use 3D printing and technologies as well as researchers, students and hobbyists in the 3D technology sector. http://3dexpo.fi/index.html
