In a significant leap forward for ceramic additive manufacturing (AM), Prodways Machines has unveiled its most advanced ceramic 3D printing system to date, the CERAM PRO. Launched in May 2024, this new line of printers, based on Prodways' proprietary MOVINGLight technology, is set to transform industries such as aerospace, automotive, and investment casting. This blog post delves into the capabilities of the CERAM PRO, its technological underpinnings, and its impact on various sectors.Technological FoundationProdways’ CERAM PRO leverages the MOVINGLight Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology, which represents a top-down approach to 3D printing. Unlike traditional bottom-up methods, MOVINGLight projects light from above the resin vat, eliminating the need for layer detachment from the print window. This approach accelerates printing speeds and enhances precision by using a mobile projector, ensuring consistent accuracy across the build platform.Key Features of CERAM PROEnhanced Projector Capabilities: The CERAM PRO series features high-end projectors tailored for processing technical ceramic resins like silica and alumina. The CERAM PRO 365 operates with a 365nm wavelength, offering a native resolution of 31 μm per pixel. In contrast, the CERAM PRO 405 has a wavelength of 405nm and features dual projectors for achieving tolerances of 42 μm.Build Capacity: The CERAM PRO printers offer substantial build volumes, with the 365 model capable of printing up to 264 x 328 x 350 mm and the 405 model reaching 300 x 445 x 350 mm. This large build capacity, combined with a high Z-height, allows for the production of multiple parts in a single run.Modular Design: The CERAM PRO's modular platform enables customization of the build envelope, catering to both large production runs and smaller, more specialized batches.Open-Parameter System: Prodways’ commitment to flexibility is evident in the CERAM PRO’s open-parameter solution, which allows users to utilize their own ceramic resins. This feature is exemplified by Renaissance Services, which has been employing Prodways’ technology for investment casting applications, including the production of ceramic cores and molds.Material PartnershipsProdways has collaborated with advanced ceramics company SINTX to enhance its ceramic AM offerings. SINTX’s silica and alumina slurries, such as the SILICA SiCast 1200 and ALUMINA PHOTX A100, have been qualified for use with the CERAM PRO 365. These materials are crucial for applications requiring high hardness, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability, such as aerospace brakes and engine components.Industry ImpactAerospace Sector: One notable adopter of Prodways’ technology is Honeywell, which has integrated the CERAM PRO 365 at its Phoenix facility. Honeywell uses ceramic AM for producing molds for high-pressure turbine blades in next-generation turbofan engines. Traditional methods of creating these molds can take up to two years, but with 3D printing, Honeywell has reduced this timeline to seven to eight weeks. This efficiency not only accelerates development but also cuts costs significantly.Investment Casting: Renaissance Services, an enterprise systems integration company, has utilized Prodways’ ceramic AM systems to create molds for investment casting. This capability is particularly valuable for producing obsolete parts for legacy military systems, drastically reducing both cost and lead time.Future ProspectsProdways' CERAM PRO series marks a significant advancement in ceramic AM technology. By addressing the needs of high-precision industries and offering flexible, open-parameter solutions, Prodways is setting new standards for ceramic 3D printing. The ongoing evolution of ceramic additive manufacturing promises to drive further innovations in various sectors, enhancing production efficiency and enabling the creation of complex, high-performance components.In conclusion, Prodways' CERAM PRO represents a critical step forward in the field of ceramic additive manufacturing. As the technology continues to develop, it is poised to make substantial impacts across industries that demand high precision, durability, and customization.
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