Editor’s Pick: Large-Format 3D Printing for Sand Tooling

Desktop Metal subsidiary ExOne launches the ExOne S-Max Flex robotic system, a large-format 3D printer for creating sand tooling. ExOne says the goal for this newest member of the S-Max line is to “democratize sand 3D printing for the foundry industry.” 

The company says this 3D printer has applications in foundries for quick casting of complex metal parts for such industries as aerospace, automotive and energy. 

The S-Max Flex pairs an industrial robot with an all-new printhead and recoater design based on technology from new company owner Desktop Metal. The new sand printer uses Desktop Metal’s Single Plass Jetting technology. 

ExOne says the S-Max Flex will allow foundries of all sizes to offer quick turnaround times on high-quality sand molds and cores, regardless of complexity. Such an innovation would largely eliminate the need for traditional core production and assembly, including all the labor, scrap and complications that accompany sand casting production. 

The new printhead features a mount design that ExOne says eliminates calibration and alignment challenges. The robotic arm used to guide the printhead can position itself with accuracy better than 100 micros in XYZ space.

The job box is 1000x1900x1000 mm (39.4x74.8x39.4 in.). The build rate is listed as up to 115 liters per hour. The printhead is a kinematic single-pass jetting and recoater assembly.   

The S-Max Flex is a turnkey system, ready for production. It comes with Desktop Metal Fabricate MFG software to aid users in build box nesting and advanced slicing features to dial in tolerance. 

The S-Max Flex was introduced at CastExpo in April. For more information about price and availability, contact ExOne directly here.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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