ASX-listed Aurora Labs has succeeded in upgrading the fume extraction capability of its flagship RMP-1 prototype 3D printer, maintaining its competitive performance edge in the rapidly developing 3D printing market. Importantly, the company says it has done so without any reduction in print quality. Aurora said the fume extraction upgrade which was delivered on time and budget is part of its 12-month development pathway.
According to management, the upgrading of the fume extraction system on the prototype has addressed the key issue of how to remove laser-generated print condensate, mostly soot and fume, from the printer’s build chamber safely and efficiently without any downtime.
The upgrade was undertaken during the printer’s routine end-of-year shutdown and now back in action, it is continuing to print parts for customers.
Aurora specialises in developing 3D metal printers, powders and digital parts with the ultimate goal being to license the technology to manufacturers for an ongoing license fee.
Most importantly, the company said the latest fume extraction upgrade keeps Aurora on track for its targeted second quarter 2021 rollout of a commercial-ready 3D printer which can print from a range of metal types including stainless steel, bronze and even titanium.
Management said it would now focus on fine-tuning power output, quality and production volume parameters for a range of full-sized customer parts.
Aurora Labs Chief Executive Officer, Peter Snowsill, said he was extremely satisfied with the impact of the company’s fume extraction project and has a high level of confidence in the RMP-1 printer’s technology capacity to deliver market-competitive print outcomes.
With the industry-wide fume extraction problem holding back 3D printing speeds more generally, Aurora’s latest development places it above the pack when it comes to producing a commercially viable fast 3D printer.
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