SAF in Twin Cities | Selective Absorption Fusion 3D Printers
Selective Absorption Fusion, otherwise known as SAF, is a 3D printing technique utilized by Stratasys printers. This process utilizes polymer powder bed fusion and industrial-grade piezo-electric printheads to jet a high absorption fluid onto a powder bed to define the area where your 3D printed part or component will be printed. The powder bed will then be cured using infrared energy- the areas that have been exposed to the high absorption fluid will absorb more light, resulting in the power to cure and harden, selectively fusing your part or component layer-by-layer. SAF in Twin Cities
This style of 3D printing is excellent for manufacturing, and is made with both repeatability and reliability in mind. Between layers, the amount of powder is always monitored and increased to ensure that each layer of your print has sufficient powder to successfully complete your print. This means your print process can be more hands-off, giving your engineers and designers more time to focus on other, more engaging work. No matter how complex or large your design is, each print project will take the same amount of time- meaning you can get your complicated projects done with ease. Especially compared to other manufacturing methods, this means that you won’t have to worry about extended manufacturing time just because your component or part has more complex aspects than normal. Using SAF techniques, you can place as many parts and components possible directly next to each other with industry-best nesting density, meaning you’ll be able to streamline your production process as much as possible. The SAF technique does require a cooldown time once parts have finished printing, at which point they can be removed by hand and then cleaned with compressed air or a media blast. At this point, all the unused powder from the print bed can be recycled and reused in the next print.
What Components and Parts are best for Selective Absorption Fusion style 3D printing?
SAF™ is an effective tool for making even complex components like those with internal cavities. If you’ve had struggles with the supports of other 3D printing methods, then SAF might be the perfect method for you. This style of 3D printing requires no additional supports because the powder of the printing bed supports the print as it develops, meaning it’s self-supporting.
How thin can I print with Selective Absorption Fusion?
SAF printing with Stratasys systems can withstand features as small as 0.03″ inches, or 0.76mm. While you may be able to go even thinner with your prints, this could result in compromise of quality of your print. Pushing your designs and parts to be thinner than recommended can result in some loss of definition and detail. You should also consider the strength of the material that you’re using when designing your print, as thinner materials may be more prone to breakage. Contact AdvancedTek to learn more about how we can help with SAF in Twin Cities.
H350 3D Printer
3D printing is actually an umbrella term for a lot of different technology. There are many different ways to create a 3D model that you can use in 3D printing. Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF) is one of these different methods, and Stratasys’ version is formulated for precision and repetition without losing its industrial quality. The biggest advantage SAF offers is the way parts are created. You start with a powder and a liquid, fuse them together into a cured and hardened plastic, print your object layer by layer and then ‘bake’ it using infrared technology. SAF in Twin Cities
AdvancedTek recommends the H350 3D printer from Stratasys for your Selective Absorption Fusion style printing. This printer is accurate while being able to consistently produce quality parts and components. Using this system, you can control both your product or component production and costs, with consistent and functional part manufacturing. This printer is known for a fine level of detail and smooth finish, with minimal post-processing required. The H350 is an excellent choice for any industry that wants a predictable return-on-investment. From easily estimated part cost to an 80% reusable powder, the H350 3D printer truly an affordable and sustainable option.
The benefits of 3D printing can be experienced by a wide variety of users, from home and business owners, to architects and product designers. A 3D printer offers the ability to create customizable designs, whether you’re using an existing model or creating one from scratch. AdvancedTek specializes in offering industrial-quality 3D printing to a number of companies throughout the Twin Cities area. However, for those who aren’t yet ready to invest in their own 3D printer, AdvancedTek offers 3D printing services.
If you’re interested in a company with over 25 years in the business, AdvancedTek can help you achieve anything from Concept Modeling, Functional Prototypes, Manufacturing Tooling, End-User Parts, 3D printers, Post Processing, to Vacuum Forming, and more! We can even help you speed along your prototyping process with our 3D printing service. You can find out more about us by checking out our website here. If you are in need of selective absorption fusion 3D printers, contact AdvancedTek! We can help you with SAF in Twin Cities.