Munich, November 7, 2024
LEADING 3D PRINTING SERVICE BUREAUS ARE DRIVING THE GREEN TRANSFORMATION OF INDUSTRIAL VAPOR SMOOTHING
Leading 3D printing service bureaus Forecast 3D, RapidCenter, FKM and Hasenauer & Hesser invest in DyeMansion Vapor Smoothing technology driving the green transformation and industrialization of vapor smoothing.
In many industries, technological advances have often begun with processes that rely heavily on harsh and potentially harmful chemicals. Over time, however, innovation and growing environmental awareness have consistently driven these sectors to adopt greener, more sustainable technologies that prioritize both safety and environmental responsibility.
In the 3D printing industry this shift can currently be seen in the field of vapor smoothing. This technology has been a gamechanger resulting in many new applications and leading to a broader adoption of 3D printing. Very early solutions had open solvent baths with direct exposure to operators. This changed over time to closed systems, though still using fluorinated legacy solvents like HFIP which fall under the category of PFAS, also called “forever chemicals”. In 2019 DyeMansion introduced the Powerfuse S based on collected feedback of leading service bureaus and industrial OEMs with clear AM strategies, thereby initiating the green transformation of vapor smoothing. With an installed base of 50 machines and many OEMs on the customer list, DyeMansion has demonstrated its leadership in this segment.
Lately many leading service bureaus have been investing in DyeMansion’s Powerfuse S, accelerating the green transformation of the industry and the transition from PFAS to green solvents.
Floris Stam, Managing Director at RapidCenter says: “At RapidCenter, we prioritize sustainable and scalable solutions that align with our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. We chose DyeMansion’s Powerfuse because it combines industrial-grade performance with a green vapor smoothing process, ensuring both quality and eco-friendliness in our 3D printing operations.”
Sustainable efficiency through green solvents in 3D printing: A safe and forward-looking approach to vapor smoothing
Green technologies often outperform legacy processes not only by reducing environmental impact but by improving efficiency, quality, and long-term cost-effectiveness. The use of green solvents when vapor smoothing 3D printed plastic parts offers significant advantages over legacy PFAS-based solvents, which are increasingly subject to phase-out plans and stricter regulations. Some equipment, such as DyeMansion’s Powerfuse S, even allow the solvent to be recycled directly in a closed-loop system, further reducing costs and environmental footprint.
Improved safety for operators and the environment
Green solvents eliminate the need for intensive safety measures that are required when handling harsh solvents. This results in reduced safety requirements needed for personnel and production facilities. Using legacy solvents companies often needed to invest in extensive safety training and expensive operating facilities such as separate rooms and extraction systems. In addition, green solvents contribute to lower greenhouse emissions and reduce the release of long-lasting chemicals that remain in the environment.
Technological advantages
Handling these new green solvents requires advanced technology, which offers significant benefits like enabling tighter control and greater consistency in the smoothing process. The strong vacuum environment allows for thorough processing of complex geometries, including intricate internal surfaces that traditional methods struggle to address.
New certification opportunities
Another advantage of using green solvents is that it can simplify the path to key 3D printing certifications, including compliance with food safety regulations such as FDA’s 21 CFR or EU’s 10/2011. Being compliant with such regulations helps a lot in addressing new customers and drives the adoption of 3D printing in various industries.
Forecast 3D, one of the largest service bureaus worldwide, just added a Powerfuse S from DyeMansion to their portfolio. “Forecast 3D is proud to add the VaporFuse system from DyeMansion to our robust suite of offerings to further enhance our vapor smoothing solution. The benefits of a green solvent — coupled with automation — allow for an environmentally conscious offering at scale as part of our greater manufacturing solutions portfolio.”, says Ken Burns, Vice President Commercial at GKN Additive.
With the latest investments, the companies join or double down on being a DyeMansion Production Partner, joining a long list of services bureaus such as Endeavor 3D, SNL Creative, Solaxis, Prototal AB, One3D, Technology Applied, Mausa 3D, 3DPRINTUK, AMufacture, DMC, All 3D Labs, ABR 3D print & Paarts Additive who already offer their customers the entire DyeMansion Print-to-Product workflow. Phil Arnold, CEO of Endeavor 3D says, “It’s unsurprising that others are joining us and embracing vapor smoothing technology. Being an early adopter of best-in-class innovation is what Endeavor 3D stands for and in the past three years, our customers have benefited greatly by this investment. We prioritize the future of engineering and are committed to leaner and greener manufacturing.”.
With leading companies investing in green solvents, it’s evident that the green transformation of vapor smoothing is in full swing, and the industry is realizing that the time to phase out PFAS solvents is now. This shift allows the 3D printing industry to be a role model when it comes to the discontinuation of PFAS, which is and will continue to be a major topic in the manufacturing industry.
DyeMansion is the world’s leading provider of post-processing solutions for additively manufactured plastic parts. The company’s portfolio covers the entire post-processing chain, from cleaning to surface finishing and coloring. DyeMansion offers industrial solutions that meet the highest demands in various industries.
Learn more about DyeMansion and visit www.dyemansion.com, LinkedIn, Instagram, X or YouTube.
Press contact:
Felix Ewald, CEO & Co-Founder
felix@dyemansion.com
About Forecast 3D
Forecast 3D is a digital manufacturer of advanced plastic and metal AM parts, backed by GKN Powder Metallurgy’s 260+ years of engineering and production expertise. Equipped with one of the world’s largest global networks of industrial 3D printers and innovative digital solutions, Forecast 3D supports projects from 1 part to more than 1 million.
Detailed information at www.forecast3d.com
About RapidCenter
RapidCenter is your 3D printing partner for serial production, spare parts, and prototypes. With extensive experience and advanced metal and plastic 3D printing, we provide flexible, efficient, and innovative solutions. We seamlessly integrate additive manufacturing alongside traditional methods, empowering clients to elevate products and redefine cost structures.
Detailed information at www.rapidcenter.nl
About Endeavor 3D
Endeavor 3D, a leading additive manufacturing partner in the Southeast U.S., specializes in design, production, and quality control for medical, aerospace, and transportation sectors. With a 65,000-square-foot facility in Metro Atlanta, it’s ITAR registered, ISO 9001-2015 certified, and an HP Digital Manufacturing Network Partner.
Detailed information at www.endeavor3d.com
About FKM
FKM is a leading 3D printing contract manufacturer with a consistent focus on fully finished components made of plastic and metal. Both large components and large quantities can be delivered within a very short time and in certified series standards.
Detailed information at www.fkm.net
About Hasenauer & Hesser
Hasenauer & Hesser, established in 2004, specializes in high-quality 3D-printed plastic components using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technologies. They offer services in design, production, finishing, and assembly, focusing on functional and series parts, prototypes, and exhibition models.
Detailed information at www.hasenauer-hesser.de
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE NEWS!
Check out the latest updates on developments & innovations at DyeMansion and stay informed about current news, upcoming events and voices from the industry.
SOCIAL MEDIA
#STAYTUNED
Click on the button to load the content from Flockler.
CONTACT
DyeMansionPRESS CONTACT
Pia Kramer
Director of Marketing, Brand & Experience
+49 172 692 9360
pia@dyemansion.com