A hint of Layer One’s Atom 3: the 3D Printer that combines SLA and FDM

Layer One, a Taïwan-based manufacturer teases the features of their new 3D printer, which would merge both FDM (Fused Deposit Modeling) and SLA (stereolithography).

The choice of a 3D printer usually depends on the user’s activity and need. Some will choose FDM to print stronger and larger parts while others will prefer SLA for the precision of its detailed parts and very small pieces as it is the case in dental tools.

However, Atom 3 will change the game for professionals.

 

The future 3D Printer

Layer One offers professionals the possibility to use both FDM and SLA in one machine: another way to save costs and time. Makers will not deploy a wide range of solutions to meet both their larger and finer 3D Printing needs.

“Even with our ultra-rigid design and a 0.2 mm nozzle, it’s impossible to achieve super high detail with FDM, no matter how hard you try. SLA is the only way we can offer this capability to our customers,” explained Lawrence Lee, founder and CEO of Layer One.

As far as manufacturing is concerned, the company is making use of its 3D printing system’s sturdy Z-axis to combine the two processes.

Indeed, “SLA machines require a very sturdy Z (vertical) motion system, and delta’s provide that better than the conventional cantilever system,” said Lee. “Of course, there will be challenges to designing a user-friendly module versus a standalone machine, but we accept them gladly.”

Images via Atom 3DP

As for technical details, one could already precise that the 3D printer’s prototype has a build volume of 65 x 120 x 250 mm, and a layer thickness of 25 to 100 microns.

 

 

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