Wematter’s Gravity 2021 3D printer takes reliability to a new level with new mechanical hardware and improved heat control obtained by using advanced algorithms in its software suite.
Since first developing the user-friendly Gravity 3D printing system, Wematter has striven to eliminate its machines’ maintenance requirements. The Gravity 2021 is Wematter’s most advanced product: the machine is built by the company’s technicians, who assembly the product by hand. The printer undergoes rigorous quality inspection. Sporting over 400 unique components, it is an highly advanced automated product. Part Wematter’s vision for Gravity is to automate as much of the user’s work within the 3D printer itself.
Many of the new and innovative features implemented in the Gravity 2021 completely remove maintenance steps. The machine also provides a smoother sintering process with the help of its software’s new algorithms.
“Many of our competitors let the user control the process parameters of their machine, thus forcing customers to hire specialized operators. We want to change that! We want to lower the thresholds for AM in developing organizations and product-owning companies, and make it more accessible by reducing the demands on the user. With Gravity 2021, we take another step in that direction. One hour of training should be enough for anyone to be able to print, regardless of previous experience,” says founder and CEO Robert Kniola.
Reinforced recoater – a vital part of print quality
When it comes to the machine’s hardware, the recoater mechanics have undergone the biggest change. By further encapsulating its construction, no moving parts are worn down during print operations. Two out of ten steps are eliminated in each build chamber cleaning. Fewer cleaning steps reduces the set up time for each print job.
“A challenge for our industry is recoater breakdowns, which can be devastating for the prints. This is now just a memory with our new system. The new recoater is like a robust snow plow that isn’t hindered by obstacles. No matter what it encounters, it keeps going. We are now moving towards the goal of never having production issues due to the recoater. Our goal is a 100 % success rate for all completed jobs,” Robert continues.
Changing the recoater system is an extensive modification in a powder bed machine. Thanks to Wematter’s mechanical experience and knowledge of the SLS process, the Gravity 2021 is now equipped with a completely new recoater system.
An SLS-type 3D printer, such as Wematter’s Gravity system, prints models by fusing powder one layer at a time using a powerful laser beam. For each layer of the build, the recoater’s task is to spread a thin layer of material as evenly as possible over the powder bed. The role of the recoater is vital to print performance. If each layer of powder is not evenly distributed over the entire surface, the surface of the print will come out uneven. A recoater that runs smoothly and consistently will result in a print with a smooth and consistent surface.
More even heat distribution
Another crucial factor in ensuring as homogeneous a surface finish and mechanical quality as possible is even heat distribution throughout the printing process. New hardware that includes an improved sensor array, together with extensive software updates, allows for more accurate reading of temperature deviations during printing. This additional hardware compensates for an irregular thermal environment and gives better performance and more even heat distribution over the entire building chamber.
An entire ecosystem, with powder cleaning and recycling
Along with the launch of Gravity, Wematter is also introducing Density 2021; a completely new model of the popular water-jet cleaning cabinet with improved ergonomics. Additionally, Wematter expands their system solution with Inertia. Inertia is a unit that collects unsintered excess powder into sealed bags after printing. The customer then sends these bags back to Wematter for recycling and reuse.
The 2021 system models in the company’s showroom. Wematter uses the showroom for client visits and in video meetings with partners.
Some of the new features in Gravity 2021
- New recoater with increased durability
- Improved temperature control for a more stable printing process
- Ability to print even thinner walls
- The chamber door is easier to open for all users
- Time estimation for print jobs before printing begins
- Finely calibrated sensitivity of the touch screen, improving menu selection
- Two-step confirmation of critical choices that prevent the user from aborting ongoing work unintentionally
- Remote diagnostics on machines before service
- Simplified process for maintenance of laser lens
- Prepared for new materials such as Aurora PP (Polypropylene)
- A number of production-related improvements to improve quality and production rate
About Wematter
Wematter manufactures advanced office-sized selective laser sintering 3D printers. The company exists to accelerate the move towards additive manufacturing by lowering barriers to entry. Its innovative 3D-printing SLS technology lets companies quickly prototype ideas, which increases overall design and engineering efficiency.
The Wematter team assembled with the Gravity 2021.
Wematter’s Nordic roots suffuse the company’s creative cycle. The team focuses on balancing user experience,
ease of use, sustainability, and performance in all of its activities. The resulting quality and reliability are testaments to not just a client focus but to corporate responsibility in the face of a changing environment and industrial landscape.
Wematter attracts top customers like Siemens, Volvo, and Husqvarna. The company was founded by design engineers working with FDM SLA and FDM 3D printers, injection molding, and CNC-milling. Since its inception in 2014, Wematter has delivered 3D printers and 3D-printed components to car manufacturers, hospitals, and aerospace clients.
For more information about Wematter visit www.wematter3d.com or follow on YouTube.