Minifactory Ultra – Industrial 3D Printer

The Minifactory Ultra is a high-performance3D printer, which can typically process demanding materials such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PEKK (polyetherketonketone), PEI (polyetherimide, also known under the brand name ULTEM) or PPSU (polyphenylene sulphone). These filaments require a high printing temperature or a sufficiently heated build chamber for optimal processing. The Minifactory 3D printer offers everything required for the industrial production of components made from high-performance polymers.

Minifactory Ultra – Reliable and repeatable 3D printer

The Minifactory Ultra’s build volume, which can be heated up to 250°C, guarantees high mechanical rigidity and repeatability of the printed parts. Problems such as print detachment or warping are a thing of the past thanks to the build volume heating and clever mechanics. Servo drives also ensure the highest levels of precision. Both the printer and the components produced with it are designed for industrial use.

Intuitive operation and workplace safety of the production 3D printer

The Minifactory Ultra’s easy-to-use touchscreen guides you step by step through the printing process, making operation a seamless experience. A 7-inch screen allows the print process to be adjusted and fine-tuned whilst the machine is running. Intelligent filament monitoring detects potential errors and prevents misprints. In addition, the machine offers various features to ensure workplace safety. Alongside an emergency stop switch and a lockable build chamber, the machine is equipped with filters that clean the exhaust air. Filtration significantly reduces the amount of emissions produced during the printing process of industrial polymers. The filters can be easily replaced as required.

Automated and integrated post-processing of 3D-printed components

The post-processing functions of the Minifactory Ultra are activated directly via the touchscreen and enable an optimised annealing process for the selected material. The benefits of the annealing process (also known as tempering, annealing, curing or stress relief) lie in the reduction or elimination of internal stresses and strains, dimensional stabilisation, the reduction or elimination of defects, and the improvement of physical properties. For this post-processing step, the printed component is heated in the heated build chamber to a temperature just below the glass transition temperature and left there for a predefined period.

Optional accessories for the Minifactory Ultra:

The Minifactory Ultra can be equipped with two different optional add-ons. These add-ons offer enhancements that simplify the printing process, but are not strictly necessary. They can be freely configured.

AARNI - Process Monitoring System

The specially developed AARNI Process Monitoring System enables printing parameters to be monitored and recorded in order to certify the printed component. Certification not only builds trust in the printed components but also demonstrates professional manufacturing practices. Certifying the components can open up entirely new business areas.

The system works as follows, for example: If the user wishes to check the print nozzle temperature of the component, the desired tolerance can be set in advance for the print job. For example, this tolerance can be set to +/- 1°C. After the print job, all monitored parameters are saved in a zip file. Should any deviations have occurred during the print job, it is possible to display at which point (which line of the G-code) this deviation occurred.

Heated filament chamber

The build volume heating for the filament storage ensures perfect preparation for printing. This keeps the materials stored in a dry environment – without the risk of them absorbing moisture. Different materials have varying degrees of hygroscopicity. This means these filaments can absorb moisture from the environment, which can reduce print quality and reliability. The filament heating extension eliminates this problem. The material chamber can be heated up to 120°C and features humidity monitoring.