Micro-precision 3D Printers: BMF Unveils microArch™ S350

BOSTON, Nov. 8, 2022 — Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) unveiled the microArch™ S350, the latest addition to its roster of industrial-grade micro-precision 3D printers. This next-generation version of BMF’s 25µm resolution system offers the highest throughput in the company’s portfolio, combining high part quality with the print speed required for end-part production.

The microArch S350 is built upon BMF’s patented Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL) technology, a technique that allows for rapid photopolymerization of layers of liquid polymer using a flash of UV light at micro-scale resolution. With a larger build volume (100 x 100 x 50mm) and fewer projection zones to improve print speed, the printer can be used in the production environment or labs to print both micro-scale parts with high-resolution features or small parts requiring high accuracy or precision. A new automated lateral membrane shift enables easier part removal or integration with a robotic arm, resulting in increased automation and ease of use for end-part production. Additional capabilities include automated resin fill and adjustment, a laser displacement sensor, and an advanced roller that spreads layers at greater speed.

The microArch S350 is compatible with a growing portfolio of engineering and ceramic resins suitable for end-use parts, including two new materials being announced with today’s launch:

• BMF MED powered by 3D Systems – A rigid amber material for applications requiring biocompatibility, translucency and/or thermal resistance. It provides parts with crisp details that can be sterilized and tested at high temperatures over 100 °C.
• Loctite 3D 3955 – High-performance halogen-free flame retardant UL94-V0 high modulus photopolymer resin. Printable at 60°C.

Since BMF launched its microArch system globally in February 2020, more than 200 customer locations around the world have installed the company’s micro 3D printers for prototyping, research and development, and end-use production. Industries that are driven to miniaturize, such as electronics, optics/photonics, medical devices, microfluidics and life sciences, are finally able to take advantage of additive manufacturing and innovate in ways that were never before possible.

“BMF has become the industry leader for printing small and micro-sized parts requiring high resolution, accuracy and precision in the 2µm and 10µm resolution spaces. Now, we’re bringing that experience to an even wider range of end-use applications at the 25µm level,” said John Kawola, CEO of BMF. “While this printer is geared more toward industrial customers that need faster throughput, greater volume, and more automation, the result is still best-in-class part quality compared to other DLP platforms and we cannot wait to see what our customers accomplish with it.”

“As one of BMF’s first customers, we’ve been excited by the performance of their high-resolution 3D printing solution. Most recently we have been evaluating BMF’s first-generation microArch P150, and it has delivered accuracy that is not attainable by any other system we have used within our additive lab. With its high part quality and throughput suitable for production, as well as the ability to print a wider variety of materials, the microArch S350 has become a critical tool in printing high-resolution connectors,” said Xiaoming Luo, Principal 3D Printing Engineer, Aerospace, Defense, and Marine (AD&M) at TE Connectivity. “We feel the microArch S350 gives TE the ability to produce very high resolution connectors for our customers.”

Heading to Formnext 2022? Visit BMF in Hall 11.1, Stand B38 to see the microArch S350 in action and see parts printed in BMF MED and LOCTITE 3955. The microArch S350, BMF MED and LOCTITE 3955 will be available to ship in Q1 2023.