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Plastic freeforming

freeformer

First came the legendary C4/b. Then the ALLROUNDER. And with the

freeformer, we are once again completely redefining plastics processing:

A machine that only ARBURG could produce. With our patented

and therefore unique process for industrial additive manufacturing,

functional technical parts are produced through the layer-by-layer

application of plastic droplets. Customised production. Parts created

directly from 3D CAD data. No mould required. We are perfecting the

production of small unit volumes – for end-to-end production

efficiency. After all, there are many additive manufacturing processes –

but only one APF: ARBURG Plastic Freeforming.

Free for the future

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Simple, cost-effective production efficiency: anyone who, like us, aims

to provide truly forward-looking technology must look to the future,

while also remembering the past. We have analysed established

practices and, based on our findings, have developed a completely

new technology for industrial additive manufacturing: With ARBURG

Plastic Freeforming (APF), you can produce individual one-off parts

and small-volume batches, or, if you wish, design studies, functional

samples or prototypes from qualified standard granulates.

Free for a new technology

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Mechanical engineering is our world. That’s why we designed our

additive manufacturing technology from a mechanical engineering

perspective. With our open freeformer system, you can produce

functional parts. From original materials. Layer-by-layer application

of tiny plastic droplets. The droplet size and process control can

be influenced in a targeted manner. This gives you the freedom to

individually optimise the properties of your additively manufactured

parts and to process your own materials. Tap into a whole new range

of options for industrial additive manufacturing!

a new technology Process principle

Free for new versatility

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Our unique freeformer enables you to work the way you always

wanted to: with complete freedom. This starts with the materials

used. You can use standard granulates. In other words, the

same materials used for conventional injection moulding. The only

requirement: the material must be qualified, in other words, the

processing parameters need to be determined and optimised -

which you can do yourself at any time. With our freeformer open

system, you require no additional, special manufacturer-dependent

and therefore expensive materials.

You can continue to use the wide variety of unreinforced plastics

that are already available. Use high-end technology

at minimal operating costs. And not the other way around.

This is because the integrated material processing unit melts

the granulate in the same way as in injection moulding. And as

you know, this is one of our core areas of expertise. The special

discharge unit featuring a pulsed nozzle closure marks a new era

in industrial processing: the generation of tiny plastic droplets and

their application layer-by-layer to produce three-dimensional parts.

new versatility

Our decades of experience in the field of injection moulding have

helped us recognise the flexibility of the freeformer as the measure

of all things. So what does this mean for you? You can use a freeformer

to process several materials or colours as standard. This enables you

to produce complex geometries using support structures, bringing greater

functionality to your parts.

Want to produce spare parts or functional samples from the desired

qualified material? The freeformer makes it possible. Looking to use hard/

soft combinations for moving parts or sealing components? The freeformer

gives you the option. Be inspired by our new technology!

Free for new combinations

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Our freeformer is designed as an open system. All the process

parameters are freely programmable – from the settings for the

geometrical slicing and material preparation, through to the discharge

of the droplets. You are thus able to optimise parts individually and to

process your own materials. This gives you the necessary flexibility for

industrial additive manufacturing. In technical terms, everything you

encounter here is a high-end solution. The multi-touch operating panel

meets the latest mobile device standards. This enables you to manage

your freeformer intuitively, which makes work a lot of fun.

more flexibilityFree for

Free from dust and emissions, our freeformer enables you to transform

your ideas into reality layer-by-layer – in the case of a new process such as

that employed in ARBURG Plastic Freeforming, production efficiency also

means prioritising environmentally-friendly manufacturing. This is true in

every respect. Anyone working with our freeformer will find themselves

working in a clean and pleasant environment.

Free for a clean environment

Our practical technical concept requires no pneumatic system,

no cooling water and no active extraction, so that production can

proceed without difficulty, whatever the environment. Our freeformer

is well-conceived in every detail, leaving your mind free for new,

creative ideas.

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Our freeformer will allow you to manufacture fully functional plastic

products. No mould required. Parts created directly from 3D CAD data.

On a moving part carrier. With the application of minute droplets

in layers. Using qualified standard granulate. We have always paid

attention to one of the most important production factors: the quality

of the parts.

You can rely on us to provide you with everything you could possibly

want. That’s because we know the process limits – for example in

terms of mechanical properties and surface finish. Because with our

open freeformer system, you can produce your parts in such a way as

to always achieve optimal results, even when using your own original

materials. Efficient solutions for industrial practice. This is what the

name ARBURG stands for.

Free for new ideas

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Free for

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Reversible, tear-resistant and impermeable:

elastic bellows made from TPU

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3

2

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Kinetic and robust: cable pulley produced as an

assembly from biopolyamide

Functional: gripper with sealing lip and integrated air

channels as a hard/soft combination (ABS, TPU)

Individualised: cranial bone implant made from

medical polylactide (PLA)

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No matter what industry you come from, our freeformer offers you

exactly the same new freedom in the automotive sector as in the

medical technology or consumer goods industry. Get started

now! Experience plastic freeforming!

a new approach

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Further examples

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Combine different materials.

Without problems.

Work safely.

Free from dust and emissions.

Make efficient use of materials.

Without waste.

Free for greater efficiency

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Process and parts

individually optimisable.

Without limitation.

Process qualified standard granulates or

your own materials.

Without prior preparation.

Produce fully functional parts..

No mould required.

First we continuously perfected injection moulding.

Now we are developing industrial additive manufacturing. Our objective

has always remained the same: quality at affordable unit costs.

We believe there is a great deal of potential for the future in this.

greater efficiency

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freeformer – more than just 3D printing:

• Functional parts from qualified standard granulate

• Broad range of processable materials

• Individual part optimisation and material qualification

• High-grade mechanical properties

• Efficient use of materials

ARBURG GmbH + Co KG

Arthur-Hehl-Strasse · 72290 Lossburg ·Tel.: +49 7446 33-0

www.arburg.com · contact@arburg.com