JuggerBot 3D is to develop a unique hybrid 3D printer using both pellets and resin.
The Ohio-based company has long been producing large-format pellet-powered 3D printers. While there are now multiple companies producing pellet 3D printers, JuggerBot 3D’s experience is so deep they even created what they call a “material card” for pellet operations, analogous to a print profile. That was unique for pellet machines.
Another unique development is on the way with news that the US Air Force has granted the company US$4M to create a large format hybrid 3D printer.
The goal is to develop a 3D printer that utilizes both pellets and two-part resins during the printing process. You might be wondering why we would want to combine these elements in a way that hasn’t been done before? JuggerBot 3D offers an explanation:
“One of the key strategies to accomplishing the project’s objectives is perfecting composite AM, particularly with high-temperature structural epoxies and other engineered thermoset resin materials coupled with thermoplastic resins. Progress in the capability to print a thermoset composite material revolutionizes the approached to the design, fabrication, and maintenance of limited-life aircraft.”
The expectation is that the combination of two-part resins and pellets will create parts that are not only stronger, but also provide more consistent engineering performance. This stability is absolutely crucial for components of an aircraft.
The Massive Tradesman series 3D printer from JuggerBot 3D is an example of this.[Source: Fabbaloo]
The objective is to create a customized Tradesman device, which is already massive in size, to include additional material specifications. The Tradesman series has been established to utilize pellet extrusion methods, requiring the addition of resin parts and extensive software modifications.
Completion of this project is projected to take roughly two years, including a sequence of predetermined achievement points along the timeline. It’s probable that JuggerBot 3D may engage the expertise of partners to aid in this substantial initiative.
This is a USAF experiment, and JuggerBot 3D will maintain the know-how and possibly debut the product to other consumers in the future. If it meets the standards of the Air Force, it also has potential in the corporate marketplace.
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