BigRep Turns Up The Heat With HAGE3D Acquisition

January 4, 2024November 7, 2023

Reinhard Festag (Managing Director, BigRep), Matthias Katschnig (CTO, HAGE3D), Sven Thate (Managing Director, BigRep), and Thomas Janics (CEO, HAGE3D) at Formnext 2023.

In our quest to offer exceptional Additive Manufacturing technology, solutions and expand our capabilities, today marks a monumental day in the history of BigRep as we announce the acquisition of HAGE3D. This partnership signals a giant leap toward our vision of becoming a full-solution ecosystem for a range of low to high-temperature applications, offering a powerhouse of innovation and possibilities.

The collaborative path with HAGE3D will unlock new opportunities in the industrial 3D printing landscape. Together, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of industrial 3D printers, featuring up to one cubic meter build volume and the capabilities of a wide range of high-performance, engineering-grade thermoplastic materials in low, mid, and high-temperature build chambers.

Redrawing the AM Landscape

HAGE3D, renowned for its high-temperature 3D printers and open AM platform, will empower BigRep to offer a full spectrum of low-to-high-temperature solutions. The acquisition is built on a foundation of extensive technological synergies, data-driven innovation, exceptional customer experiences, and an ambitious expansion plan, further strengthening BigRep's position in the industry and extending our market reach.

The Collabosphere, a 3D printed demonstration of the joined forces of BigRep and HAGE3D with a wide range of materials from both companies, seen here at Formnext 2023.

The Acquisition Disrupts Existing Possibilities

Both companies are committed to the development of intelligent FFF technology, making the production of complex, large-format functional parts accessible to manufacturers worldwide.

Dr.‐Ing. Sven Thate, Managing Director of BigRep GmbH, expressed his excitement about the merger, highlighting how it positions BigRep as the AM market continues to grow dynamically. The 3D printing world is driven by megatrends such as digitization and decentralization of manufacturing and BigRep, with the addition of HAGE3D, is well-prepared to capture this opportunity.

Dr.‐Ing. Sven Thate, Managing Director of BigRep GmbH, elaborated:

“For our worldwide customers, this acquisition makes us their local provider of open industrial AM solutions across all temperature levels, unlocking limitless material options. Together, with similar mindsets of customer-centric, data-driven innovation, we plan to form a European leader pushing the limits of what is possible with FFF.”

The BigRep PRO and the BigRep SHIELD

The HAGE3D MEX ONE

Thomas Janics, Managing Director of HAGE3D, emphasized the global growth opportunities enabled by HAGE3D's high-temperature FFF platforms expanding BigRep's material portfolio and large-format AM solutions. Complementing its current low‐temperature and energy‐conscious large format AM platforms, this will open a broad spectrum of new applications and markets.

Thomas Janics, Managing Director of HAGE3D, explained:

“With BigRep we have found a perfect partner to accelerate the attractive global growth opportunities in the industrial AM sector. While our focus was previously on the German‐speaking markets, we now can provide our products globally through BigRep´s sales network, adding Graz to the map of technology centers next to BigRep’s in Berlin, Boston, Shanghai, and Singapore. It’s a win‐win in R&D, production, and sales. Therefore, we jointly look forward to an innovative, unique, and successful future together.”

Joining Forces for Innovation

With more than 1,000 large-scale 3D printers already in operation across various industrial sectors, BigRep has earned its reputation with its expertise in large-scale Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). The German-engineered 3D printers empower engineers, designers, and manufacturers, spanning from startups to Fortune 100 corporations, to expedite the transition from prototyping to production, ensuring their products reach the market promptly.

On the other hand, HAGE3D is an advanced engineering company with 40 years of experience in large-format, special-purpose machine building. Their state-of-the-art large-format mid- and high-temperature 3D printing systems are known for their precision and reliability. Fully assembled in Austria using industrial-quality components, these machines perform consistently across a wide range of industries and applications.

By forming an alliance with HAGE3D, BigRep is poised to expedite innovation and redefine manufacturing practices. This integration is underpinned by a fully integrated open AM business model, promising to offer users a replete solution.

As BigRep and HAGE3D come together, we will continue to push the limits of what is possible with FFF technology, accessing a world of opportunities in large-format, open additive manufacturing.

Find out more at https://bigrep.com/press-media/

About the author:

Natasha Mathew

Copywriter

Natasha Mathew enjoys trying new things and one of them she’s currently obsessed with is 3D printing. Her passion for explaining complex concepts in simple terms and her knack for storytelling led her to be a writer. In her 7 years of experience, she has covered just about any topic under the sun. When she’s not carefully weighing her words, she’s reading, crafting, spinning, and adventuring. And when asked about herself, she writes in the third person.

SFM Technology Create the First Helicopter Blade Restraint Cradle With 3D Printing Technology

March 24, 2023March 24, 2023

When tasked with creating restraint cradles that allow helicopters to load safely, SFM Technology turned directly to the BigRep PRO.

Rough seas not only make smooth sailors, they also make smooth engineers who can find innovative solutions to choppy conditions. This is especially true when it comes to aviation, as helicopters are frequently tasked with embarking onto ships during all different types of weather conditions.

Once helicopter flying operations have ceased, they will either stay on the flight deck or be stowed in the ship’s hanger. They use an automatic folding system, folding in their blades like a bumblebee. The issue of stabilization remains a key priority when it comes to the smoothest embarkation possible. This is achieved by using a main rotor blade restraint cradle.

As Gary Wilson, head of Technical Sales at SFM's AeroAdditive division tells us: "When a helicopter is on board a ship, it can fold its helicopter blades back. But at sea it's still windy, and the blades can flap. These blades must be restrained so flapping doesn't occur."

Aerospace and defense giant Leonardo - tasked by the Ministry of Defence to provide AgustaWestland AW101s for the Royal Navy - found that their pre-existing main rotor blade restraint cradles were not living up to their standard. They turned to SFM Technology's AeroAdditive department for the solution, resulting in the first 3D-printed main rotor blade restraint cradle, measuring 900 x 230 x 160mm. Gary Wilson explains how they created the cradle and why he believes this is just the start for additive manufacturing within the aerospace industry.

The Blade Restraint Cradle, Printed on a BigRep PRO

3D PRINTING PROVIDES THE SOLUTION

As a solution had to be found very quickly, SFM relied on the speed of innovation possible with additive manufacturing.

"We had to look at many aspects of 3D printing, including cost, efficiency, and of course, size. Eventually, we looked at the BigRep PRO as we had to look at a production 3D printer. The machine is used as a production machine, so every rotor blade restraint cradle goes to the end customer."

3D PRINTING MORE VERSATILE THAN TRADITIONAL METHODS

In the aerospace industry, lightweight yet strong parts are essential. After stress-testing their 3D printed parts, SFM Technology found that they performed better than original, non-printed parts. By using Hi-Temp CF – a carbon fiber reinforced material with versatile, high-strength properties – the blades are extremely durable and weather resistant.

The benefits have been manifold.

“To date, we have printed 30 cradles, consisting of 60 halves, since January. If we were to do that in a traditional way, we would have done about a quarter of that. So, you can see that 3D printing is far quicker, as we don’t have any adjustments to make, or if we do, they’re very minor and can be quickly overcome. And the material is just as strong.”

THE ADVANTAGES OF HI-TEMP CF

Choosing the right material was crucial in SFM’s choice.

“We carried out many tests to establish which was the most suitable material within the budget given. Having looked at the data sheets, we felt that BigRep's HI-TEMP had a slight advantage over the other BigRep materials.”

Once they remove the support material, sandpaper is used to smooth the surface. Bushes - a type of fixed or removable cylindrical tube - are inserted in the hinges, before using threaded helicoil inserts for fastening when required. After the cradle is painted to the customer's specification, the remaining hardware is embedded along with a protective foam on the inside of the cradle, preventing it from scratching the blade surface.

The Blade Restraint Cradles in Action

THE START OF 3D PRINTING IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

With the main rotor blade restraint cradles already in use, Mr. Wilson attests that this experience shows what 3D printing can achieve in the aerospace industry and that it's only a matter of time before additive manufacturing becomes the norm.

"In the aerospace industry, there are many designers nervous about 3D printing. We've demonstrated that 3D printing can be used in the aerospace industry quite comfortably from a strength, repeatability, and quality side. I know for a fact that as the industry moves forward on 3D printing, there will be more and more accessible paths to use."

SFM Technology are using the BigRep PRO as a batch 3D printer, sequencing production and creating improved results across the board. This follows more aerospace designers discovering the benefits of 3D printing and adopting it in due course.

Want to learn more about 3D printing and aerospace. Learn about how 3D printing saved Airbus time and money!

BigRep PRO: Large-Format 3D Printer showcasing advanced technology and high-quality printing capabilities

INDUSTRIAL QUALITY MEETS COST EFFICIENCY.
COMPLEX PARTS IN LARGE SCALE.

The BigRep PRO is a 1 m³ powerhouse 3D printer, built to take you from prototyping to production. It provides a highly scalable solution to manufacture end-use parts, factory tooling or more with high-performance, engineering-grade materials. Compared with other manufacturing and FFF printing solutions, the PRO can produce full-scale, accurate parts faster and at lower production costs.

Explore the PRO

INDUSTRIAL QUALITY MEETS COST EFFICIENCY.
COMPLEX PARTS IN LARGE SCALE.

Explore the PRO

Koehler Group Promotes Innovations and Lends MakerSpace a Large Format 3D Printer from BigRep

December 28, 2022December 22, 2022

Koehler Group has been providing support for start‐ups for a number of years. In line with this, the company recently announced a strategic partnership with UnternehmerTUM, Europe's leading center for business creation and innovation, which was founded by Susanne Klatten in 2002. As part of this start‐up collaboration, Koehler Invest has now loaned a BigRep PRO 3D printer to UnternehmerTUM’s MakerSpace for one year. BigRep is one of the world’s leading companies in the field of large‐format 3D printing, which can be used to speed up innovation processes, and boost flexibility and digitalization in production processes.

Inspiration for the Next Generation of Inventors and Start‐Ups

MakerSpace from UnternehmerTUM is a high‐tech workshop with locations in Garching and Munich, which provides students, professionals, start‐ups, and independent entrepreneurs with access to innovative production technologies. The BigRep PRO 3D printer will be located at the Munich Urban Colab following in the footsteps of the BigRep ONE, which can be found on the UnternehmerTUM campus in Garching.

Kai Furler, CEO of the Koehler Group, emphasized:

“With the new strategic partnership with UnternehmerTUM, our goal is to support and promote pioneering innovations, particularly in our core business areas of paper and renewable energies. The large‐format 3D‐printer from BigRep will prove an invaluable tool for new product innovations from start‐ups.”

Facilitating Production of Prototypes and Small Series

Koehler Group purchased the BigRep PRO and has lent it to Makerspace free of charge for a year. The system, which was developed for industrial applications, enables the production of prototypes as well as larger batches of parts, and gives inventors and developers the opportunity to develop and bring technologies to market more quickly. Previous spin‐offs from MakerSpace include Curfboard who make surfskateboards, vertical farming from Agrilution, and unmanned aircraft from HORYZN. The BigRep PRO gives start‐ups the opportunity to break new ground and find answers to some of the most pressing questions of today.

Dr. Sven Thate, Managing Director of BigRep explains:

“Product and development cycles are getting shorter and shorter. At the same time, products are becoming increasingly agile, continually improving, and being made ready for the market thanks to fast iterations. Our large‐format solutions for additive production offer the flexibility to print prototypes and molds, e.g. for manufacturing carbon fiber‐ reinforced parts, as well as production tools and small series for market launch.”

The BigRep PRO offers a variety of automated functions for easy, fast, and high‐quality production of large plastic parts, both with bio‐based and fiber‐reinforced materials. MakerSpace provides start‐ups and inventors with a professional infrastructure to turn their own ideas into prototypes in a short time frame.

Florian Küster, managing director at MakerSpace GmbH from UnternehmerTUM says:

“The facilities save teams time and money in development, which reduces the risks for new start‐ups. Koehler successfully supports our innovations ecosystem and, with the BigRep PRO, we are particularly pleased with the latest addition to large‐format 3D printing in our machine pool.”

On December 16, the 3D printer was officially handed over to MakerSpace for a year with representatives of all parties in attendance. Learn more about the BigRep PRO here.

About the Koehler Group

The Koehler Group was founded in 1807 and has been family‐run from that moment to the present day. The group's core business activity lies in the development and production of high‐quality specialty paper. This includes—among others—thermal paper, playing card board, drinks coasters, fine paper, carbonless paper, recycled paper, decor paper, wood pulp board, sublimation papers, and also innovative specialty papers for the packaging industry since 2019. In Germany, the Koehler Group employs around 2,500 people across five production sites, with three additional sites in the USA. The group operates internationally, with an export share of 70% in 2021, and brings in an annual turnover of around 1 billion euros.

As an energy‐intensive company, Koehler invests in renewable energy projects such as wind energy, hydropower, photovoltaics, and biomass with its Koehler Renewable Energy business unit. The Koehler Group has set a goal of producing more energy from renewable sources by 2030 than is required for its paper production operations.

In addition, with its Koehler Innovative Solutions business unit, Koehler is dedicated to developing new business areas outside of special paper production and energy production.

Find more information at: https://www.koehler.com

About BigRep

A global leader in large‐format FFF 3D printing, BigRep strives to transform user productivity and creativity with easy‐to‐use additive manufacturing solutions. To help companies accelerate innovation and rethink manufacturing, BigRep’s German‐engineered 3D printers enable engineers, designers, and manufacturers from start‐ups to fortune 100 companies to go from prototyping to production faster, getting their products to market first. Through collaborations with strategic partners – including BASF, Bosch Rexroth, Etihad Airways, and Deutsche Bahn – BigRep continues to develop complete additive manufacturing solutions comprising industrial 3D printers, software, advanced materials, and services. Founded in 2014, BigRep is headquartered in Berlin with offices and technical centers in Boston, Singapore, and Shanghai.

About MakerSpace

MakerSpace is a publicly accessible high‐tech workshop, which gives ambitious start‐ups, self‐starters, and creatives access to machines, tools, and software, as well as a creative community. The workshop opened in 2015 as a subsidiary of UnternehmerTUM, Europe’s Largest Center for Innovation and Business Creation, and provides a space where ideas and innovations can be brought to life in the form of prototypes and small series. There are different working areas available, including machine, metal, and wood workshops, as well as textile and electronics processing areas. With 3D printers, laser cutters, and water jet cutting machines, new molds can be produced and all materials processed. MakerSpace offers training and consulting services as well as events for members to provide support and networking opportunities.

MakerSpace has two sites, with 1500 m² at the Garching research campus and, since 2021, 1200 m² at the Munich Urban Colab start‐up center, in the heart of Munich’s creative quarter.

Find out more at https://maker‐space.de/presse/

BigRep Introduces BigRep FLOW, an End-to-End Solution for Production Aids

May 12, 2022May 5, 2022

BigRep FLOW is a new customizable SaaS solution that makes application engineering for 3D printed jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing aids easier than ever, with no design skills or 3D printing experience required.

WORKFLOW AUTOMATION FOR PARTS THAT WORK

Berlin, Germany, May 5, 2022: BigRep, the global leader in large-format 3D printing solutions, launches its new workflow for automated application engineering: BigRep FLOW.

BigRep FLOW is a new Software as a Service (SaaS) product enabling anyone to create customized, 3D printable factory tooling with just a few clicks; no experience is required in 3D printing or 3D design. Much more than just design automation, BigRep FLOW automates the entire application engineering process for you with a customized app to produce ready-to-use tooling.

FROM YOUR NEEDS TO A CUSTOMIZED SOLUTION

Since every customer's needs are unique, the initial step is BigRep's engineering team to learn more about the customer's application. Together with the client, BigRep determines feasibility based on user-defined benchmarks and qualifications to launch the development phase. Feedback and development iterations result in a custom BigRep FLOW Application generating 3D printable tooling that consistently gets the job done. With BigRep FLOW, all design configurations are optimized for 3D printing speed and success, plus reduced material costs. Customers get the tools they need; faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever.

In addition to a custom app, BigRep FLOW includes a collection of sample apps to produce a range of factory aids and tools. Available developed apps include transporters and organizers like customized trays, boxes, storage dividers, and shadow boards. Tooling apps and factory aids such as soft jaws, assembly jigs, and product twisters instantly let anyone create complex parts.

NO TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO CREATE CUSTOM TOOLS

BigRep FLOW is accessible across platforms, including mobile devices. Each custom BigRep FLOW App requires virtually no training as the user experience is straightforward and streamlined. Users log in to their BigRep FLOW account to access an App Library, which includes their custom apps as well as free sample apps. After opening the appropriate app (for example, a fixture configurator), the user uploads a 3D file of their existing part, for which BigRep FLOW then generates the custom fixture. The user easily configures the parameters within seconds. With a single click within the app, they can order their printed tools or start production on an in-house BigRep 3D printer.

THE FUTURE OF AUTOMATED DIGITAL MANUFACTURING

BigRep FLOW can replace an existing 3D workflow to save time and money. Users new to 3D printing can instantly create the tools they need and skip the 3D learning curve entirely, from application engineering to printing functional tools. The advantages of BigRep FLOW over a traditional 3D design workflow are clear. BigRep FLOW can create printable tools in minutes rather than days for immediate results and fast design iterations. The intuitive cloud-based interface makes it simple to configure custom tools, and design changes are calculated in real-time with instant visualization. More than just automated design, BigRep FLOW Apps create 3D printable tools that meet benchmarks and qualifications for real-world use. Perhaps best of all, BigRep FLOW lets you maximize the potential of additive manufacturing for your business but requires no experience in 3D printing or CAD software skills.

“We are very excited to launch BigRep FLOW, our Advanced Workflow Automation Software, making it very easy to configure and produce the factory tooling needed on the production floor – faster and cheaper,” says Dr. Sven Thate, Managing Director of BigRep. “With FLOW, we support our manufacturing clients with the customization of their operations to outpace the competition. Our vision is to offer end-to-end solutions for our users. FLOW can be used with a qualified printing service to turn an idea or a need into a printed solution. If speed is even more of the essence, it turns our large-format 3D printers into connected jig and fixture work-stations and more.”

See the new BigRep FLOW online at www.bigrep.com/bigrep-flow and try out a sample app directly on the website.

About BigRep

A global leader in large-format FFF 3D printing, BigRep strives to transform its user’s productivity and creativity with easy-to-use additive manufacturing solutions. With an aim to help companies accelerate innovation and rethink manufacturing, BigRep’s German-engineered 3D printers enable engineers, designers, and manufacturers from start-ups to fortune 100 companies to go from prototyping to production faster, getting their products to market first. Through collaborations with strategic partners – including BASF, Bosch Rexroth, Etihad Airways, and Deutsche Bahn – BigRep continues to develop complete additive manufacturing solutions comprising industrial 3D printers, software, and advanced materials. Founded in 2014, BigRep is headquartered in Berlin with offices and technical centers in Boston, Singapore, and Shanghai.

For additional information, please contact:

Abbey Delaney
Global Marketing Manager, BigRep
E: [email protected]
P: +1 989.860.8210

Maik Dobberack
DACH Marketing Manager, BigRep
E: [email protected]
P: +49 30 20 84 82 60

BigRep Introduces a New Generation of Large-Format 3D Printers Tailored to Their Users’ Applications

February 23, 2023November 10, 2021

BigRep strengthens its portfolio with the new easier-than-ever PRO and the new configurable ONE.

BigRep, the global leader in large-format 3D printing, will unveil its new generation of 3D printers at the Formnext 2021 event in Frankfurt (November 16 – 19).

ITERATE FAST. PRODUCE FASTER. GET TO MARKET FASTEST. The new and improved BigRep PRO, a meter cubed powerhouse 3D printer, is designed with the industrial user’s needs in mind. Its versatility allows for full-scale, large parts including functional prototypes, factory tooling, patterns, molds, and end-use parts. Built for productivity throughout all stages of manufacturing, the PRO provides designers, engineers, and manufacturers with an easy-to-use, flexible solution to innovate and produce faster and cheaper. Fully fiber-ready, the new BigRep PRO is now compatible with many fiber filled filaments including PA12-CF.

Using the BigRep PRO is now easier than ever thanks to a new hybrid software-hardware solution, BigRep JUMPSTART, that lets you start printing within minutes and skip the hassle of manual print preparation. JUMPSTART combines three features that make life easier for the customer, saving them valuable time.

First, removing large and small parts on the PRO just got easier with SWITCHPLATE, a removable and flexible print bed surface that eliminates the need for glues and removal tools. Second, LOCKSTAGE allows for accurate, secure extruder mounting with little effort, providing even greater precision throughout the entire print. Lastly, BigRep’s MXT® Controls System simplifies the user experience BigRep SWITCHPLATE in action bypassing the need for manual print bed and extruder calibration ensuring crucial first print layers are optimal every time.

BigRep’s upgraded MXT® Controls System orchestrates the harmonious performance of all components and processes to ensure fast printing, accuracy, and repeatability. It employs proprietary algorithms that improve your gcode print file, resulting in better quality such as smoother surfaces, higher accuracy and all-around consistent results.

LARGE-SCALE INNOVATION. LIMITLESS CREATIVITY. The new and upgraded BigRep ONE is fully tailored to support designers, pattern makers, and researchers by bringing their designs and innovative ideas to life in full scale.

The ONE comes with a new, lighter, and more precise portal and can now be configured easily to the needs of the user. Customers are able to choose from single, dual, or twin extruder modes plus add-ons like an enclosed housing and even the printer's color to create the perfect machine just for them. Then as their 3D printing needs evolve, they can simply upgrade their ONE with additional features.

“We are excited and proud to present our new additive manufacturing solutions combining our diverse hardware, materials and processes, as well as software and controls expertise,” says Dr. Sven Thate, Managing Director of BigRep. “The new BigRep PRO was developed with our industrial users' productivity and ease of use in mind. The new BigRep ONE, the original affordable large-format 3D printer, is now even more accessible and customizable for all innovative users THINKING BIG.”

See the new BigRep PRO and ONE, BigRep SHIELD dry cabinet, and the limitless applications of our successful users including Canyon Bike, Kennedy Valve, Ford, Magirus, Zoeller Kipper and more at Formnext 2021 in BigRep’s booth, located in Hall 12.1 Booth F 01.

Watch the BigRep PRO Live Demo:
Large-Format 3D Printing Now Easier Than Ever

December 2 at 11 am EST (5 pm CEST)

BigRep and Teton Simulation establish a Partnership to Integrate SmartSlice™ into Large-Format 3D Printing

December 2, 2022November 8, 2021

BigRep, a leader in large-format 3D printing solutions, and Teton Simulation, the creators of SmartSlice™ technology, have partnered to bring the benefits of performance requirements-based validation and print parameter optimization to industrial large-format prints.

“We are excited to work with Teton Simulation and explore the possibilities of their advanced FEM technology,” said Dr. Sven Thate, Managing Director of BigRep. “We are convinced their industry-standard design verification will boost large-format FFF usage even in the most load-critical applications. We also see the possibilities of their load based design optimization to deliver significant time and materials savings and make FFF usage on industrial level easier than ever.”

SmartSlice™ helps industrial users to quickly define load cases for parts they intend to print and validate the as-printed performance of these parts against mechanical limits of the material but also against part deflections. With built-in optimizer features, users can also let the software find the ideal slicer settings individually for each section of a 3D geometry, guaranteeing load-performance with minimal amount of material.

“Teton Simulation is excited to announce our collaboration with BigRep to bring the power of SmartSlice™ to large format prints. BigRep’s ability to create high-quality, production-level parts at such a large scale provides a great opportunity to reduce material waste, increase efficiency, and save project costs,” said Teton Simulation CEO Doug Kenik. “And with BigRep BLADE slicer software we have the perfect vehicle to harvest the full power of SmartSlice™, bringing significant benefits to the users.”

The output of this partnership is expected to bring confidence that parts meet functional and performance requirements as well as time, money and material saving possibilities with automated part analysis and optimization from small- to large-format 3D printing. Currently working with BigRep materials, including PRO HT and HI-TEMP CF.

Download BigRep BLADE Slicer Software here:

BLADE Slicer Software

BigRep Demo Day

November 16, 2021November 4, 2021

BIGREP DEMO DAY

December 1 from 1 to 4 pm EST

BigRep North American Headquarter in Wilmington, MA

BigRep Introduces the BigRep SHIELD, a Large-Format Dry Cabinet for Optimal Material Storage Conditions

August 4, 2021July 19, 2021

Designed to protect your filament from material degradation, the BigRep SHIELD dry cabinet stores up to 60 kg of filament in ideal conditions, eliminates more than 99% humidity, reduces material waste by 20% and repair costs up to 50%.

BigRep, the global leader in large-format 3D printing, introduces the new BigRep SHIELD, an industrial filament dry cabinet that ensures optimal storage conditions for 3D printing materials. Without proper storage in a humidity-controlled environment, 3D printing filaments - particularly engineering-grade materials such as PA 6/66, TPU, PVA, BVOH, PET - will absorb airborne moisture and result in higher rates of printing error, nozzle clogging, and machine downtime.

Far surpassing the industry standard of 1%, the BigRep SHIELD maintains 0.01% humidity by looping air through a controlled desiccant chamber without the use of heat, therefore avoiding the risk of over-drying filaments from long-term heat exposure. As part of an industrial workflow, the BigRep SHIELD reduces misprints and material waste by 20% and saves up to 50% on repair costs caused by clogging and extruder damage.

"Environmental conditions, normally outside of your control, play a huge factor in the printability of the filament. We want our customers to produce quality prints every time, which is why we saw it important to provide a solution and especially a big one that can hold a lot of material,” said Sven Thate, BigRep Managing Director. “To extend the life of your 3D printer and save time and money by preventing downtime and damages, the SHIELD is a must-have to avoid workflow disruptions.”

In developing SHIELD, BigRep collaborated with Amboss+Langbein, an industry leader with almost 40 years expertise in drying systems for plastics manufacturing. This combined wealth of industrial knowledge, along with quality components and a Siemens control system, results in a robust and reliable machine that ensures ultimate productivity protection at all times. The industrial-sized storage chamber holds up to 60 kg of filament, enough material for one month continuous 24/7 printing.

Interior dimensions: W x D x H: 480 x 480 x 1200 mm, 276 liters
Storage capacity: Minimum of 12x 2.5 kg spools, 12x 4.5 kg spools, or 6x 8-10 kg spools

The SHIELD maintains constant overpressure for an airtight storage volume. This prevents new moisture from entering its chamber during regular operation and ensures the system can quickly remove any and all airborne humidity with 100% air recirculation. The SHIELD provides ample space for safe, long-term storage of highly-sensitive additive manufacturing materials to maintain their ideal condition.

Large-Format Dry Cabinet for Optimal Material Storage Conditions

Designed to protect your filament from material degradation, the BigRep SHIELD dry cabinet stores filament in ideal conditions to save you time and money by preventing downtime and damages.

Learn More

BigRep Ships its 500th Large-Format 3D Printer!

December 15, 2022March 17, 2020

"Signed, sealed and delivered!"

Over at BigRep we're passing milestones and celebrating the 500th delivery of our large-format 3D printers - making BigRep one of the world's most trusted and successful AM manufacturers!

It's just the latest news in an exciting string of BigRep product and service launches, like the opening of a new 3D printing service in Boston - BigRep 3D PARTLAB - to expand North American customer benefits by offering 3D printed parts on demand, the recent premiere of a new printer - the STUDIO G2 - and the introduction of three new engineering-grade filaments - PA6/66, PLX, and BVOH.

For many customers across industries, BigRep’s large-format AM solutions are the preferred choice. In automotive, major global players such as Ford Motor Company and Volvo Car Corporation rely on BigRep systems for prototyping, tooling, and other applications. In aerospace, AIRBUS SAS and Etihad Engineering are using BigRep’s 3D printers for a variety of applications. Other renowned customers include Bosch Rexroth AG and manufacturing companies such as JC Steele & Sons Inc. in the U.S.

“This delivery is more than just a figure, it shows how much industrial customers value our products and the production freedom they create. We greatly appreciate this trust and will continue utilizing the full potential of AM applications to the benefit of our customers, new and old,” says Martain Back, BigRep's Managing Director. “Delivering consistently high quality, fast, precise, and cost-efficient products, is unthinkable without BigRep’s dedicated employees, as well as the commitment of our investors and partners, whom we’d like to thank with gratitude.”

The 500th delivered system is a BigRep ONE acquired by e-mobility tech-company JAMADE GERMANY, which just recently launched their underwater scooter, AMAZEA, the world’s first water sports mobility device scheduled to use serial produced AM parts at the consumer level, being 75% comprised of custom 3D-printed features.

“We are very excited about this delivery because it represents a new dimension of industrial AM in endconsumer products, both for us as a company and the industry. The new BigRep ONE will enable us to launch the serial production of AMAZEA as planned, completing our existing fleet of four BigRep ONE printers,” says JAMADE Managing Partner and Technical Director, Detlef Klages. “We greatly value the printers’ cost efficiency, accuracy and quality when compared to the extremely high investment for traditional tools.”

The BigRep ONE is among the three German-engineered AM systems manufactured by BigRep, which also include the recently introduced STUDIO G2 and BigRep PRO – the company’s next-generation 3D printers. The PRO includes BigRep’s proprietary Metering Extruder Technology (MXT®) and is equipped with a state-of-the-art Bosch Rexroth CNC motion control system to combine speed and precision for a truly industrial additive manufacturing solution with IoT connectivity to fully integrate with Industry 4.0. In addition, BigRep, in partnership with BASF, provides engineering-grade materials to take full advantage of their 3D printers’ potential.

Here at BigRep we're proud of these important milestones we're passing, and of the continued trust from our industrial partners who innovate their manufacturing with our systems. We're looking forward to continue working towards our goal to provide industrial manufacturers anywhere in the world with the tools they need to make production faster, more innovative, and more affordable.

About BigRep
BigRep develops the world’s largest serial production 3D printers, creating the industry benchmark for large-scale printing with the aim to reshape manufacturing. Its award-winning, German-engineered machines are establishing new standards in speed, reliability and efficiency. BigRep’s printers are the preferred choice of engineers, designers and manufacturers at leading companies in the industrial, automotive and aerospace sectors. Through collaborations with its strategic partners – including Bosch Rexroth, Etihad Airways and Deutsche Bahn – and key investors – including BASF, Koehler, Klöckner and Körber – BigRep continues to develop complete solutions for integrated additive manufacturing systems, as well as a wide range of printing materials on an open-choice source. Founded in 2014, BigRep is headquartered in Berlin with offices in Boston and Singapore. Leading the way in one of the world’s key technologies, our multinational engineering teams are highly trained, interdisciplinary and customer-focused.

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Global Additive Applications Summit (GAAS) 2019

November 13, 2019November 8, 2019

The 2019 Global Additive Applications Summit, held in Berlin and organized by RedCabin Events, was the first of a new interactive additive conference with a unique focus on applications and adoption. This first holding of the annual event featured a variety of industry leaders with impressive new additive applications – both conceptual and immediately adoptable.

“RedCabin did an amazing job organizing the event. Their unique, highly interactive conference style focused on networking and hands-on workshops was much more impactful than traditionally organized conferences,” BigRep’s CIO, Daniel Büning lauded. “In a way, their agenda mirrored the additive advancements that were presented, which promise so be so much more impactful if they can break away from simply filling in for traditional workflows.”

Presentations addressed recent advancements in additive technology that have helped to realize previously developed concepts and presented brand-new contemporary applications that will continue additive’s upward trend of industrial adoption. Overall speakers confirmed that there is increasingly incredible, immediately applicable, value from additive technology left unapplied by many would-be industrial users.

Siemens’ Ulli Klenk discussed additive’s growing roll in the energy sector, specifically in the form of gas turbines. Siemens has managed to design a gas turbine for power generation that is fully 3D printable using metal additive systems. A now proven end-use application in a highly demanding industrial process, the use case is demonstrative of the incredible adaptability of additive technology. The application also takes advantage of additive’s ability to leverage local manufacturing for cost savings; by enabling in-house part production on demand, Siemens eliminates the need for spare part storage.

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From Ottobock, Thomas Stitz presented functional 3D printed orthotics. With exoskeleton designs, Ottobock has developed personal mobility orthotics that successfully enable disabled persons to walk. Additive manufacturing is an integral part of the process, leveraging body scanning and 3D printing to create the orthotics with perfect fit – an integral quality for long-term orthotics.

Representing Deutsche Bahn, Stefanie Brickwede, Managing Director of Mobility Goes Additive, discussed the use of additively manufactured end-use spare parts in Deutsche Bahn trains. The application here has seen massive savings in storage and the acquisition of parts that are no longer manufactured in traditional processes. To bring this application to the next level, Brickwede discussed ongoing development efforts of flame-retardant polymer materials that would enable Deutsche Bahn and other public transportation companies to meet the legal standards required to affordably print spare parts that come into passenger contact.

Developing technology to test the feasibility of all these applications is Dr. Sven Lammers, head of Dassault Systems’ 3DEXPERIENCE Center in Hamburg, and Jörg Schnorr, Senior Project Manager of Automotive 3D Printing for BASF. The technology demonstrated by Dr. Lammers is an advanced additive simulation software designed to improve print validation, the generative design process, and end-use part integrity in their given applications. BASF and Shnorr’s similar technology focuses specifically on the simulation and validation of parts in an automotive context.

“We learned a lot about what it will still take to meet the challenge of serial industrial production in large quantity with additive technology,” said Martin Back, BigRep’s Managing Director. He added that “change management” endeavors aimed at seeing additive technology taught and adopted for radical innovation instead of gradual adoption – that only mimics traditional applications and workflows – is necessary for 3D printing technology to reach its true potential and increase its rate of adoption. “Copying non additive parts and printing them with AM doesn’t make sense,” Back said. “We need redesign for additive manufacturing, and conferences like GAAS are vital to guide industrial users in that change.”

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Redrawing the AM Landscape

The Acquisition Disrupts Existing Possibilities

Joining Forces for Innovation

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Natasha Mathew

3D PRINTING PROVIDES THE SOLUTION

3D PRINTING MORE VERSATILE THAN TRADITIONAL METHODS

THE ADVANTAGES OF HI-TEMP CF

THE START OF 3D PRINTING IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

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INDUSTRIAL QUALITY MEETS COST EFFICIENCY. COMPLEX PARTS IN LARGE SCALE.

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INDUSTRIAL QUALITY MEETS COST EFFICIENCY.
COMPLEX PARTS IN LARGE SCALE.

INDUSTRIAL QUALITY MEETS COST EFFICIENCY.
COMPLEX PARTS IN LARGE SCALE.