The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has confirmed it will take delivery of a PostPro3DMini automated post-processing system from Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT).
Sheffield, UK; 27th September, 2019: The Institute of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has purchased a PostPro3DMini system from Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) and will use the machine to support its medical device research.
AMT’s PostPro3D fully-automated, safe and sustainable post-processing solution for polymer additively manufactured parts was commercialized last year and has been incredibly successful with installations around the world. The PostPro3DMini was subsequently introduced to the market earlier this year, to offer all of the advantages of the PostPro3D but in a more compact unit for smaller production runs, research institutions, STEM programs and design studios.
Based on AMT’s proprietary automated BLAST process, the PostPro3DMini offers unmatched smoothing and surface modification that can achieve a surface quality equal to or better than injection moulding for AM parts produced using all common 3D printing polymers. The process does not use water, but a recyclable, single, non-toxic agent.
Moreover, all AMT units are UL & CE certified.
The Institute of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology at TUM is one of the leading departments globally, with a broad scope of research areas developing new and innovative additive manufacturing technologies and medical devices. The Institute has embraced AM as a development and production method, with considerable research dedicated to the development of new medical devices. It is with this application that the ME department at TUM were looking for a commercially available particular solution for its
post-processing requirements, that were simply not being met.
AMT’s fully automated post-processing hardware is particularly suited for medical device applications because it meets all of the required safety standards regarding cytotoxicity.
Tests by AMT with EOS PA2200 parts processed with the AMT PostPro3DMini, conform with all the necessary cytotoxicity tests as well as skin irritation tests to normative references: ISO 10993-10 (2013), ISO 10993-1 (2018), OECD TG 439. Indeed, safety and sustainability are central to the philosophy of AMT, both as a company and its approach to its product development and delivery.
The ISO 13485 certified Institute of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology is developing individualized instruments for various medical applications using the EOS PA2200 material. Therefore, they see a high potential in the PostPro3D technology. The aim is to integrate the PostPro3DMini into the fabrication process of medical devices and to increase the range of SLS fabricated parts for medical applications through the advanced post-processing technique.
Commenting on the sale, Joseph Crabtree, CEO of AMT, said: “We are really pleased to be working with the Mechanical Engineering department at TUM. This is a prestigious research institute that has been working on the progression of AM for many years. The fact that they have purchased the PostPro3DMini to support this research, and for such a demanding application in the medical device sector, is a real testament to the capabilities of the PostPro3D platform and how it can meet the demands for such applications that previously have not been met.”
