The ‘laboratory-sized’ ExOne Innovent machine allows for testing material properties
ExOne has launched the Innovent, and industrial-grade, ‘laboratory-sized’ machine, to allow for testing material properties.
Balancing a specific build size for the technical qualification of materials with a smaller overall lab machine platform size, compared with ExOne’s industrial-grade 3D printers, this is a baby at at 65 x 160 x 65mm. sized to fit specifically in educational institutions, research laboratories, and research and development (R&D) departments at commercial organisations.
Similar to the company’s M-Flex, Innovent’s software and mechanical components incorporate ExOne’s most recent technology, operating a print head to selectively dispense micro-droplets of binder into very thin layers of powdered metal.
“Innovent was specifically designed to complement ExOne’s larger machine platforms,” said the rather elusively titled S. Kent Rockwell, Exone CEO. “Those who are using Innovent for testing purposes can easily migrate to the larger M-Flex and M-Print when they are ready for larger scale prototyping or series production.”
“Innovent expands upon ExOne’s lab machine offerings by allowing customers, whether they are educators or companies, the ability to qualify materials, an option not previously available in these types of 3D printers.” continues Rockwell. “ExOne is improving its laboratory solution to help drive the overall industrial sector towards increased experience with and use of binder jetting 3D printing.”
The Innovent is offered as part of a complete system including an oven and furnace at a ‘competitive price point’, which should open new opportunities for the company with education and research-based customers, as well as the binder jetting 3D printing technology.
