PolyAM

The main argument against the use of additive material extrusion (MEX) is the lengthy manufacturing period, even at low resolution. In the Innovation Sprint, PolyAM addressed this problem by introducing a novel displacement unit to 3D printing. Due to its compact design, construction space and weight could also be reduced, allowing axis systems of filament-based 3D printers to be used as well.

PolyAM's participation in the Innovation Sprint was motivated by their intention to practically substantiate the theoretical value calculations with the help of a prototype. The production of such a prototype would not have been possible without the financial support. Starting from the calculations and a printed functional prototype available at the beginning, the team was able to build a technical prototype made of stainless steel, to integrate it into a speed-optimised axis system and to record the corresponding performance values during the Innovation Sprint. With the granulate-based 3D print head the maximum feed rate could be increased to 8 times and the feed rate at high resolution to 4.5 times the rate of a conventional filament-based 3D printer. At the same time, the total weight was reduced to 80%. In the next step, the team plans to advance the prototype to market readiness based on the insights they have gained.