Polymaker's FGF/LFAM Business Development Manager, Deborah Claxton, recently visited Krauss Maffei, our partner, to learn about the powerPrint System and how it utilizes pellet materials. With almost 190 years of experience, Krauss Maffei is a leading manufacturer of machinery and systems for the production and processing of plastics and rubber. The company has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, specializing in technologies such as injection molding, extrusion, and reaction processing. Now, Krauss Maffei is elevating its offerings by integrating new additive manufacturing solutions.
The powerPrint System: Revolutionizing Large-Scale 3D Printing
The powerPrint system represents KraussMaffei’s significant leap into the additive manufacturing arena. This gantry-based, large-scale 3D printer is meticulously designed to deliver high-quality, repeatable production, addressing longstanding challenges in the industry such as warping and adhesion failures.
Key Features:
- Advanced Extrusion Technology: The heart of the powerPrint system lies in its specially designed extrusion unit. Featuring a longer screw length for homogeneous melting, the unit ensures precise control over material flow and temperature, resulting in consistent, high-quality prints.
- Thermal Management: Equipped with a thermally isolated housing and heated print table, the system minimizes the risks of warping and adhesion issues.
- Process Stability: With advanced temperature control and optimized material flow, the system guarantees consistent results across multiple production runs, even in demanding industrial applications.
An Example Case Study with Pellet Material from Polymaker
To demonstrate the optimal performance of this system, Krauss Maffei collaborated with Polymaker to produce a thin-walled part used in the automotive and white goods industry. This part was printed with PolyCore™ ABS-5022 (20% carbon fiber reinforced ABS compound pellet). This carbon fiber reinforced material offers increased stiffness, strength and resistance to deformation under pressure. This partnership highlighted the system's ability to achieve rapid production with reduced costs while maintaining high mechanical integrity. By enabling simultaneous printing of multiple parts, followed by precision finishing, Krauss Maffei showcases its ability to streamline workflows and reduce lead times significantly. The use of PolyCore™ ABS-5022 allows for reduced layer times and cost-effective production while maintaining the mechanical properties comparable to traditional manufacturing methods.
Case Study Details:
Weight: 0,543 Kg
Dimensions: 520 x 310 x 4,5 mm
Printing System: Krauss Maffei powerPrint
Printing by: KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH
Printed with: PolyCore™ ABS-5022
"Using Polycore™ ABS-5022 allowed us to achieve high-quality, large-scale parts with reduced layer times and cost-effective production. Its material properties closely match those of traditional manufacturing methods like injection molding, making it ideal for automotive and white goods applications. This case study demonstrates how additive manufacturing can transition from prototyping to pre-series production with confidence." – Michael Helneder, Head of Customer Success Krauss Maffei
Looking Ahead: Future Innovations
Krauss Maffei’s vision for additive manufacturing extends to the introduction of an industrial robot-based system. Set to debut at the JEC show in Paris in 2025, this system will enable multi-dimensional printing, unlocking new possibilities for complex geometries and non-planar designs. By integrating data tracking and advanced polymers into its solutions, Krauss Maffei continues to set new benchmarks for quality and efficiency.
The company’s ongoing partnership with Polymaker at events like TCT Asia 2025 further emphasizes its focus on addressing industry challenges through innovation and collaboration.
Conclusion
Krauss Maffei’s foray into additive manufacturing with the powerPrint system demonstrates its dedication to innovation and industry leadership. By combining cutting-edge technology, customer-focused services, and strategic partnerships, the company is well-positioned to shape the future of large-scale additive manufacturing.
Learn more about Krauss Maffei
Learn more about Polymaker’s pellets: PolyCore™ - Polymaker
