voxeljet increases its presence in the US growth market with the start-up of the largest 3D printing system in Michigan. With the VX4000 3D printer, one of the leading providers of large-format 3D printers and on-demand parts services underlines its important position in the US market. This benefits in particular the US foundry industry, which is a direct consumer of these services. For example, 3D printers can be used to manufacture large rotors and turbines – and usually much more quickly and cost-effectively than using traditional methods.

No other 3D printing system for sand molds offers larger continuous build volumes. At 4,000 x 2,000 x 1,000 mm (LxWxH), the build space more or less corresponds to the size of a VW Golf car. David Tait, Managing Director of voxeljet America, commented the expanded capacities of the voxeljet equipment fleet and range of services in the US as follows: “The market for cast parts in the US has always focused on size. With the VX4000, we not only produce the largest sand molds in the world, but can also combine these with smaller mold components. The resulting flexibility provides for rapid delivery times and cost-efficient production.”

The VX4000 is very fast and easy to operate. In addition to ensuring cost-effective production processes for very large individual molds, this huge 3D printer can also be used to produce small series parts or a combination of the two. In addition, it also prints stable side walls, which means that the size of the build space can be adjusted as needed. No other comparable system is able to adjust the build speed to the build volume in such a way.

Another feature: The layer building method has been especially adapted for this printer. Therefore the building platform is not lowered during the printing process, but rather the print head is raised with each layer. The machine thus easily supports the heavy weight of the building platform, which can also be quickly replaced via a rail. This allows for virtually permanent printing.

The molds are created with the layer-wise application of the particle material quartz sand, which is glued together with a binding agent. After the printing process is complete, the mold only has to be unpacked, i.e. cleaned of excess sand. Since sand molds are created directly from CAD data, they set the trend in terms of richness of detail and precision.

Although voxeljet has specialized in additive manufacturing for the foundry industry, in general every company that uses casting processes – hence designs, processes, uses or optimizes cast parts – can benefit from voxeljet’s technology.

With the decision to introduce the VX4000 in the United States, voxeljet completes its service range for the on-demand 3D printing of large sand molds in this market. “We decided to place our largest printing system in the US in order to service growing demand in the US market directly on location. Our objective is to strengthen our most important growth market with a diversified portfolio of machines, materials and processes,” is how Rudolf Franz, COO of voxeljet AG, describes the great potential of the US market. Indirect beneficiaries of this high-end technology are the automotive industry, the special machine building sector and the spare parts industry in particular.

Demand for 3D-printed sand casting molds and plastic models has grown considerably, particularly in the US, which is considered the largest growth market for 3D printing. In terms of total costs, 3D printing is much more cost-effective than traditional methods due to the complete lack of tool costs, at least up to a certain batch size. The smaller the batch size, the greater the cost advantage offered by voxeljet’s technology. Particularly in the case of complex geometries, 3D printing is still the most economical alternative even for batch sizes of several hundred units.

3D printing: faster, more flexible, on demand

The other advantages of the 3D printing method range from shorter production periods to less post-processing work of the raw cast components. The same essentially applies to investment casting, where 3D-printed plastic models have replaced classic wax models that are very time-consuming and expensive to produce with injection tools. In contrast to the conventional manufacture of molds using injection tools, in which the production of model plates or core boxes alone can take several weeks, 3D printing makes it possible to print elaborate sand molds over night or in a few days. All that is needed are the CAD data sets, which can even be processed on demand.

• Economical production: Sand molds and cores are printed in one piece without complex and expensive tool production.
• Large-format printing: Large molds can be produced on a build platform measuring 4,000 x 2,000 x 1,000 mm (LxWxH).
• Fast availability: Express delivery in only 3 working days.
• Complex components: Nearly unlimited geometries and even undercuts can be implemented.
• Precise sand molds and cores with high surface quality: With 300 µm thin quartz sand layers.
• Familiar features: Quartz sand and furan resin with series-comparable mold and casting properties.
• Suitable for sand-casting all castable metals, such as aluminum, brass, magnesium, iron and steel casting as well as all common alloys.
• Combinations possible: 3D printed cores can be combined with traditional sand molds, and vice versa.
• Simple core removal: A low binder content means that the behavior during outgassing and core removal is similar to traditional methods.
• Ideal for prototype production and tool optimization: The development and improvement of e.g. tools using 3D printing is faster, more flexible and more economical.

Demand for sand casting molds and plastic models made with 3D printers has grown rapidly in recent years. The benefits this offers in producing prototypes and small batches are obvious: shorter production times, less reworking of cast parts and cost-efficient implementation overall. Up to now, the main beneficiaries have been foundries that use 3D printing as a useful addition to classic mold construction. However, this approach does not yet adequately cover many industrial applications. The voxeljet service center offers industrial and business customers advice on the ways in which they can benefit from 3D printing.

voxeljet is a leading manufacturer of industrial 3D printing systems. The company also operates service centers for the production of metal casting molds and models in its locations in Germany, the United States and the UK, which are able to manufacture sand molds and plastic models on demand, based on CAD data.

3D printing is used in the rapid development and (small-batch) production of cast parts. The more complex the geometry, the more economical it is to produce the parts with 3D printing. However, 3D-printed molds can be produced quickly and flexibly even when laminating CFP molding materials and when optimizing components (to reduce weight or enhance functionality). voxeljet’s customer base includes well-known automobile manufacturers and their suppliers, foundries as well as innovative companies in the arts and design industry.

• Economic feasibility: 3D printing often turns out to be the most cost-effective manufacturing method, depending on the component geometry and size of the series.
• Size advantages: voxeljet has one of the biggest industrial 3D printers in the world, making it possible to flexibly produce large individual molds, many small components or a combination of the two.
• Fast availability: Express delivery in only 3 working days is available by arrangement.
• Complete solution: Expert consulting, from data generation to the finished cast part, ensures smooth project execution.
• Experience: Founded in 1999, voxeljet has many years of experience as a provider of 3D solutions and offers a wide range of services.

3D printing is a hot topic of conversation. Which specific industries can benefit from voxeljet technology?

We specialize in additive manufacturing for foundries. In principle, however, the technology benefits anyone who constructs, processes, uses or optimizes cast parts. The vast majority of our customers are development departments in the automotive industry. Increasingly our processes are also being used in the manufacture of special-purpose machinery, the spare parts business as well as art and architecture.

How does voxeljet’s ordering process work?

Customers can, for instance, send us a 3D data record or a drawing. They can choose whether to simply purchase the molds or whether they’d rather hire us to produce a finished cast part. We review all inquiries individually to determine their technical requirements and feasibility. If necessary, we arrange consultations with the customer. As part of our service, we check the data for errors that may have arisen, for example, during conversion and correct them free of charge in the case of minor impairment. We have high data security standards and take a professional approach to data management. To offer our customers the utmost flexibility, we give them the option of choosing different delivery periods and sand types. Our consultants in the various service centers are happy to provide details and respond to any questions or suggestions.

What sizes can voxeljet handle?

Our service center in Germany uses the VX4000, one of the world’s largest industrial 3D printers for the production of sand cores and mold packages, with a build space of 4,000 x 2,000 x 1,000 mm (L x W x H). When it comes to plastics, voxeljet offers models with maximum dimensions of 1,000 x 600 x 500 mm (L x W x H). At the same time, molds of any size can be created with the use of individual mold divisions.

How does voxeljet calculate its prices?

We aim to offer our customers fair prices, based on the circumstances. In coming up with a price formula, we consider a wide range of factors, weighted according to different criteria. These include dimensions, volume, desired quantity, material, component complexity and, of course, delivery time. While this may sound complicated, it is the only way for us to come up with good prices for a wide range of requirements.

How would you describe voxeljet as a business partner?

We are a young, dedicated team who are fascinated by the possibilities of 3D printing. We are interested in working with industrial partners to come up with new applications daily. Our company is prepared to provide small test parts in order to discover new potential applications. We recognize the importance of development projects and the time pressures involved. Our goal is to work with innovative partners on implementing our technology in order to generate competitive advantages. Customer proximity and fair treatment are therefore particularly important to us.

What can customers worldwide expect when working with voxeljet?

We would like to establish high standards worldwide in terms of our experience, quality and service concept. At the same time, however, we also address country-specific requirements to ensure sustained expansion.

MCAE Systems is voxeljet´s new sales partner for systems in Czech Republic and Slovakia. Our partner was established in 1995 in Brno (Czech Republic) and is specialized on high-quality 3D production. MCAE offers complete 3D solutions to the automotive, aerospace and mechanical engineering industry, like 3D digitizing and measurement, CAD solutions and different 3D printing technologies for rapid prototyping. As sales partner for other market leaders, like Stratasys, MCAE already has a lot of experience in consulting about the opportunities of 3D printing. With voxeljet MCAE is further expanding its portfolio of 3D printing technologies. For more information: http://www.mcae.cz/

voxeljet announces the signing of the agreement to form a joint venture with Suzhou Meimai Fast Manufacturing Technology Co., Ltd. to pursue opportunities in the industrial 3D printing market in China. The joint venture shall be called voxeljet China Ltd. and will be controlled by the headquarter in Germany. New Managing Director is Tianshi Jin. He brings more than fifteen years of 3D printing and rapid casting experience and a thorough understanding of the Chinese market to the company. Prior to joining the company, Tianshi Jin was General Manager of Wenzhou Product Innovation Center Co. Ltd., a state-owned company. In 2013, Tianshi Jin founded Suzhou Meimai Fast Manufacturing Technology Co., Ltd. which specializes in sand printing and rapid casting services. He was also a long standing distribution partner of voxeljet in China.

voxeljet China Ltd. will be headquartered in the city of Suzhou, near Shanghai, and is expected to begin providing on-demand part services from a temporary facility in the second quarter of 2016. The joint venture parties are in the early planning stages for a larger facility, which is expected to be similar in size to voxeljet’s existing service facilities in Germany and the United States.

Dr. Ingo Ederer, Chief Executive Officer of voxeljet, commented, “We are excited to announce our joint venture partnership with Meimai in China as part of our ongoing growth strategy. Our long standing relationship with the principals of Meimai makes them the ideal local partner for us to establish a direct operating presence in the market. Their experience with our printers coupled with their existing customer base and relationships with end users of industrial 3D printing applications in China is a great benefit. This is a great opportunity for us and we look forward to growing together in the market.”

The German manufacturer of industrial 3D printing systems established voxeljet India Pvt. Ltd. in December 2015. The new voxeljet subsidiary is located in Pune, a large automotive and manufacturing center near Mumbai. India’s foundry industry still features a fairly traditional structure. The global popularity and acceptance of the 3D printing technology has led to growing interest in 3D printers and on-demand parts services on the part of the Indian industry.

voxeljet, one of the world’s leading providers of industrial 3D solutions, wants to build up a strong market position in India already at this early stage. Ms. Nidhi Shah, the new Managing Director of voxeljet India, has more than ten years of experience in 3D printing methods and additive manufacturing technology. She plays an important role in establishing the voxeljet brand in India and promoting the development of an operational presence in the market. For this reason, voxeljet will attend IFEX (29 – 31 January 2016) in Coimbatore, one of India’s most important foundry trade shows.

Similar to the already established voxeljet subsidiaries, the company also plans to establish a service center for the on-demand manufacture of 3D-printed molds within the next 18 months. The first phase will focus on the development of the sales and service structure. voxeljet CEO Rudolf Franz notes as follows with regard to the global business developments: “After the UK, the US and China, the subsidiary in India represents the next big step in voxeljet’s global growth strategy.”

By taking advantage of voxeljet’s in-house customer seminars, users from a variety of industries can learn more about the functions and advantages of the industrial 3D printing method. “Even though 3D printing has now established itself in many areas, there is still a significant knowledge deficit with regard to the opportunities and limits of this innovative technology. Our customer seminars, which are held at regular intervals, offer participants in-depth insights into the world of 3D printing,” emphasizes voxeljet CEO Dr. Ingo Ederer.

Two events were held in September 2015, one at voxeljet’s head office in Friedberg (Bavaria), and another at the US office in Michigan. Both events elicited a considerable amount of interest and attracted participants from the automotive, aerospace, art casting as well as sand and investment casting industries. The range of issues covered at these events comprised the entire process chain of the 3D printing technology. Visitors were able to observe all of the main work steps from data preparation and different printing processes to unpacking live and were also able to apply their knowledge in workshops. This enabled them to be convinced of the significantly improved unpacking of phenol printed parts. “Our new phenol process has unique features, such as the use of raw foundry sands, the slight unpacking and the ability to re-use the non-printed powder up to 100 %”, said Dr. Ederer.

Presentations by external experts from foundries, who pass on their knowledge based on concrete practical examples, also form an integral part of the seminars. In the US, for example, the speakers discussed the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printing compared to conventional mold manufacture. The highlight of the presentation by an American foundry were impressive examples of oversize investment casting projects, which demonstrated the advantages of the voxeljet systems. For the last months we got the parts from the service center in Canton, but look forward to our first own VX1000.

“The customer seminars at our business locations provide participants with important first-hand information about 3D printing. Because of the positive response and demand, we have decided to offer these seminars several times a year, free of charge,” says Dr. Ingo Ederer.

3D print pioneer voxeljet from Friedberg (Bavaria) is celebrating a special kind of anniversary. The high-tech company, which has established a name for itself as a manufacturer of industrial 3D printing systems and as a service provider for the on-demand production of sand molds and plastic models, is pleased to announce that it is delivering its 100th 3D printer in November 2015.

The machine in question is a VX1000—a multi-purpose 3D printer that combines high performance with a large build space (1000 x 600 x 500 mm) and can meet even the most demanding industry requirements. The printing system can be operated with plastic and sand particle materials and is ideally suited for the precise manufacture of prototypes, small component series and models. In combination with the phenolic direct binding process, the 3D printer offers significant advantages over current sand printing processes, such as the ability to recycle non-printed particle material. This is just one of the reasons why the VX1000 has become the best-selling printer of the voxeljet portfolio.

The manufacturer has recently registered steadily growing demand for 3D printing systems. Hubert Stärker, Director Sales and Marketing at voxeljet, knows the reasons for this development: “Many customers who have their molds printed at our service center eventually want their own 3D printer, whether for reasons of flexibility or economy. Another reason for the positive development lies in the many advantages offered by the 3D printing technology, which are gradually making their way into more industries and induce companies to purchase their own machines.”

The reason that more and more people who are interested in a 3D printer choose voxeljet is the machines’ superior performance. They feature high-performance print heads that ensure excellent resolution along with above-average print speeds, allowing for the rapid and cost-efficient printing of build volumes of up to 8 m³.

In addition, the 3D printers are “made in Germany” at voxeljet’s headquarters in Friedberg (near Augsburg). They are made entirely of high-quality components that ensure ongoing operations for many years to come. Tobias Reinold, Director Systems at voxeljet, is also optimistic about the future: “Demand for industrial 3D printers is very strong. We are well prepared for this demand and look forward to machine number 200.”

High-level visit at voxeljet AG’s head office in Friedberg: on Wednesday, 9 September 2015, Bavaria’s Minister of Economic Affairs Ilse Aigner visited a number of companies to obtain insights into the success stories of the Bavarian start-up scene. The first station on this tour was voxeljet. While visiting the company’s production buildings, the minister was very impressed by the future technology 3D printing and spoke of the excellent opportunities in this fast-growing market.

She also highlighted voxeljet’s ability to become a world leader in the production of industrial 3D high-performance printers and services for the on-demand production of molds and models as an outstanding achievement. Company founder Dr. Ingo Ederer was very pleased with the minister’s visit and the Bavarian ministry’s ongoing interest in 3D printing technology: “It is really nice to see that Bavarian politicians are taking an interest in the establishment and needs of innovative companies in future-oriented industries. And of course the minister’s visit was also a special honor for the entire voxeljet team.”