Laser Engineering & Development Limited has developed a prototype for a Laser-based Filament Heating Module which can significantly increase the strength of 3D-printed objects, addressing one of the major hurdles to adoption of the technology by the manufacturing industry.
An engineering company specialised in the development of laser equipment for industrial applications, Laser Engineering & Development Limited obtained funding from the Malta Council for Science and Technology under the FUSION National R&I Programme to increase the strength of printed objects through filament fabrication technology.
The concept uses state-of-the-art laser technology in an innovative way to preheat the top layer of a print during printing, thus significantly enhancing the bond between layers that leads to superior mechanical properties of the final printed object. This can significantly extend the field of application of 3D-printed objects.
The project was a collaboration with the University of Malta, and goes beyond the development of the prototype of a Laser-based Filament Heating Module able to increase adhesion between deposit layers by heating of the extruded layers.
It is also developing special filaments from different polymers that can highly absorb laser radiation.
With these special filaments and laser preheating, higher print speeds are also more achievable.
3D printing is expected to revolutionise the whole manufacturing and distribution eco-system in approximately 10 to 15 years, with 3D printers destined to become ‘mini-factories’.
However, 3D printers still have some major hurdles when it comes to the adoption into the manufacturing industry because of the unsatisfactory mechanical properties. Once this obstacle has been tackled and significantly increasing the strength of printed objects would therefore be a major market driver, contributing highly to the growth of the sector.
Speaking at a dissemination event for the project, MCST Executive Chairman Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando said that “Today’s economic realities demand dynamic growth and for Malta to retain its standing we must continue to invest in innovation.
He added that FUSION, the R&I funding programme creates the perfect climate for innovation and collaboration amongst companies and research centres—a climate that helps the ecosystem develop and thrive.
“We recognise the importance of the R&I pillar within Malta’s economy and are committed to supporting this direction.”
“The project being promoted today has successfully achieved its promised deliverables and has made notable steps in advancing the relevant technologies they have researched,” he said, underlining the fact that the project has been a multi-disciplinary one, involving industrial expertise in manufacturing and academic researchers.
