Description du projet
Une impression 3D de composants hybrides à base de métaux et de polymères se profile à l’horizon
La fabrication additive, ou impression 3D, est souvent associée aux imprimantes à jet d’encre. La technologie d’impression 3D par fusion sur lit de poudre repose sur la consolidation sélective de poudres en objets 3D sous l’effet de la chaleur ou de la pression. Il est actuellement possible d’assembler séparément des particules de poudre de métal et de polymère, mais pas dans la même pièce, et il existe un marché énorme pour ces composants. La PME belge Aerosint est en train de changer la donne. Le projet Aerosint, financé par l’UE, aide l’équipe à élaborer le plan d’affaires de son procédé d’impression 3D multi-matériaux sur lit de poudre, qui est le premier à permettre la combinaison de polymères et de métaux.
Objectif
Powder bed 3D printing was invented over 30 years ago, has not changed since and is only able to print single material parts.
Aerosint intends to change that. Aerosint invented a 3D printing technology capable of printing truly multi-material parts with the ultimate goal to be able to combine metals, polymers and ceramics. This capability paves the way to unique parts optimization and functionalization and will bring 3D printing in a new era.
Aerosint is the first multi-material powder bed 3D printing process enabling unique polymer and metal combinations. Our patent-pending technology can print parts that are made of different materials by melting powder layers composed of more than one powder. To achieve that, the Aerosint patterning drums selectively deposit fine powder voxels line by line. The result are powder layers composed of more than one material and ready for sintering. What best illustrates Aerosint unique approach to multi-material. Aerosint’s multi-powder dispenser achieves material change between and within layers. No other existing technology is today capable of doing this.
We will have two streams of revenue upon market entry: royalty incomes from licensing our technology to 3D machine manufacturers. To help us with revenues faster and to invest in further improvements, we are also considering retrofitting old machines. Considering the sales of 7,000 SLS units worldwide at an average price of €200,000 (current price of SLS printer), our serviceable obtainable market would be €98M (7% of the total sales price). There is no competition in terms of technology but there are substitutes such as printers without Aerosint technology.
The Phase 1 funding will help us determine the best way to progress and Phase 2 to upgrade the technology. We will benefit the EU helping advanced manufacturing techniques with the new 3D printing technology, creating more jobs in manufacturing and reducing energy consumption and waste in the process.
Champ scientifique
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinateur
4040 Herstal
Belgique
L’entreprise s’est définie comme une PME (petite et moyenne entreprise) au moment de la signature de la convention de subvention.