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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
4
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 · [email protected]