The P 500, in combination with the new material, will enable a more efficient and sustainable way to serial additive manufacturing.
Prototal Industries, Northern Europe´s biggest supplier in 3D printing, vacuum casting and injection molding, has announced the installation of a state-of-the-art EOS P 500 system as well as the 100% biobased material – PA11. This P 500 system in Ystad will complement Prototal’s existing machine park of over 80 professional AM-systems, among them already two P 500 systems at 1zu1 in Austria. The P500 will be completely dedicated to serial production in the material PA11.
Jan Löfving, CEO of Prototal Industries: “For us, this is a strategic investment. The modular platform design will bring immediate operational and throughput benefits to Prototal customers, but also aligns perfectly with our future goals in Europe for industrialized 3D printing. We will, as a pilot, process the high-performance polyamide PA11.”
PA100 – high performance, 100% bio-based polyamide
The high-performance plastic polyamide 11 (PA11) is made from 100% renewable castor beans and the material has good chemical resistant. Strength and durability are two key benefits that make the material ideal for functional parts. High ductility is a major benefit too, offering excellent impact resistance for parts in applications like automotive or aerospace, as well as other manufactured parts that must hold up to rigorous use like protection equipment for sports. The trademark properties of PA11 include lightweight, flexibility, durability and overall toughness.
Jan Löfving, CEO of Prototal Industries: “It suited us perfectly to use PA11 with the investment of the P500. For us, this is extremely important, because we are taking a huge step on the journey to a more sustainable future. The PA11 is one step in the right direction, and this will enable sustainable, serial additive manufacturing.”
The EOS P 500 enables Prototal to mass produce parts through its powerful 70W twin lasers and ability to apply and compact the polymer material at up to 0.6 m/s on the build platform. The P 500 excels in its high speed without compromising process stability or part quality thanks to sophisticated temperature management, which improves manufactured parts’ dimensional accuracy, material properties, and homogeneity.
As a growing company determined to substantiate its position as a market leader in Europe, Prototal is focused both on continued innovation and sustainability. The EOS P 500 and PA11 is not only extremely efficient at processing build jobs, but also very energy efficient.
Jan Löfving, CEO of Prototal Industries: “It’s effective, energy-efficient, and perfectly aligned with our growth strategy and future goals.”
mid-sized companies and OEM’s with certified member manufacturers to bring 3D printed parts to market at speed and in high quality volumes
Prototal Industries, Scandinavia’s largest additive manufacturing company, announced as first member.
EOS, constant innovator, and a leading supplier for responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology, announced the launch of a new End-To-End Production Network designed to connect companies of all sizes in search for high quality serial additive manufacturing (AM) support with selected, certified EOS partners. Prototal Industries, Scandinavia’s largest and most specialized additive manufacturing company, is the first contract manufacturer to join the network.
With this EOS expands its already existing contract manufacturing network with the much-needed end-to-end production component. To become a partner in this network, companies run through a certification process where the end-to-end capabilities are the key criteria. From part design, to design optimization for AM, manufacturing capabilities, pre- and post-processing including surface treatment, to quality assurance and assembly to create high-end final parts in series. The certified EOS partners have proven excellence in all production steps.
Companies joining the new EOS network have a deep understanding of serial production requirements and have proven excellence in all production steps. As such, the enable those in search for a partner to realize serial additive manufacturing (AM) on an industrial scale and across a wide range of industries with the ability to scale further.
Finding the right partner for serial AM solutions
From start-up businesses, to SME and OEM organizations, bringing products to life at scale can be a demanding experience, particularly if working in a certified industry or wanting high volume production that does not compromise on the quality of the final product, or global distribution.
Once the right AM solution is identified, one of the biggest hurdles can be finding the right manufacturing method and deciding how to organize part production. EOS not only enables companies by identifying the best application and technology framework, but also consults companies on in-house vs. external production. If a third-party production partner is the best choice, then there are other important considerations. Businesses not only need partners that are solidly positioned and can produce high-quality 3D-printed parts at scale, but which also share the end-customer commitment to creating the right product and have the experience needed to bring products to the market.
EOS end-to-end production network partners will be able to help companies mitigate these risks and move rapidly to final serial part production on a large scale. Members will be able to bring their expertise from a range of manufacturing technologies to help them ramp-up production at speed, ensuring quality standards throughout and support every aspect of an end-to-end production.
Markus Glasser, Senior Vice President EMEA at EOS, said: “With more than 30 years of experience in offering comprehensive additive manufacturing solutions, EOS understands market requirements for AM series production. With this network we want to create added value for both parties involved – those offering manufacturing services and those in search for it.” He goes on to say: “This will take much of the complexity and risk out of choosing a manufacturing partner for serial production businesses, with the most innovate product designs. They will be able to bring products to market faster, using the latest state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, and draw on the vertical industry expertise and know-how within the network”.
There are many industry standards and assessments designed to give customers confidence in a manufacturer’s capabilities, but they normally place the burden of research on the company in need of the parts. Customers choosing to work with members of the EOS End-to-End Production Network will have the confidence that each manufacturing partner has been assessed by EOS against criteria that not only verify their financial security and competence, but that they have leading industry and application know-how, particularly for heavily certified industries such as aviation, automotive and medical devices.
Prototal Industries: first certified member of EOS End-To-End Production Network
The first member of the EOS End-To-End Production Network is Prototal, Northern Europe’s biggest supplier in industrial 3D printing, vacuum casting, aluminium tools, and injection moulding. The company has been an EOS customer for more than 20 years. With its longstanding AM expertise and more than 50 EOS polymer systems on-sight, Prototal offers end-to-end additive manufacturing capabilities for large scale serial production and to demanding and highly regulated industries such as aerospace, medical or automotive, to name but a few.
Jan Löfving, CEO at Prototal Industries, said: “It is with great pride that we become the first member of the EOS End-To-End Production Network. At our various sites across Europe Prototal Industries for many years has built up the competence and the knowledge in how to additively manufacture larger series. The future looks bright for the technology in terms of even further developments in automation and more sustainable production, 3D-Printing really is a production method offering great benefits. And EOS is one of our most valuable partners.”
The network initially will be set up in EMEA. It will grow within the next months. Stay tuned.
The Austrian based company is the market leader within the areas of Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Tools, Injection Molding and Vacuum Casting. Today Prototal Industries announced the acquisition of 1zu1, one of Europe’s leading players in prototype and low-volume manufacturing in polymers. The company offers an impressive array of products and services supported by most innovative technologies and comprehensive expertise, all hosted in state-of-the-art facilities in the city of Dornbirn.
1zu1 have been working successfully in the DACH region since 1996 and brings twenty-five years of industry expertise into the Prototal group. They will contribute to an increase of capacity and technical leadership.
The company is on the forefront in additive manufacturing with groundbreaking laser sintering processes that offers superior finish, accuracy, quality control as well as productivity which will enable new applications.
“A great fit for our family of brands”
Commenting on the deal, Jan Löfving, CEO of Prototal, said: “We are very happy and excited to welcome 1zu1 to our group. Additive manufacturing and rapid production of injection molding tools has been a market constantly growing and innovating, and Prototal has made several acquisitions to consolidate its position and expand its offering. 1zu1 offers a wide range of technologies, very similar to the ones available in Jönköping, that will strengthen the competence within the group. 1zu1 has been at the forefront of this market for twenty-five years, is a great fit for our family of brands, and will benefit all customers. The acquisition should be seen as a clear signal to the market of Prototal’s intention to actively develop the polymer market, both in the region and globally.”
1zu1 and its strong and dedicated team will continue to be led by the two current Managing Directors Wolfgang Humml and Hannes Hämmerle.
Managing Director Hannes Hämmerle says: “It’s with great pride that we join the Prototal family. This is an exciting opportunity for both 1zu1 and our customers. Working in an industry that is constantly experimenting with new materials and production techniques calls for true pioneering spirit. This is something that’s very important for 1zu1, and we know that Prototal share that view. We strongly believe in the vision and highly appreciate their skills in the world of manufacturing of polymeric parts.”
About 1zu1
Wolfgang Humml and Hannes Hämmerle founded the company in 1996, renaming it 1zu1 Prototypes in 2002. At the outset, the company comprised a 250 square-meter production area, two employees and two vacuum-casting machines. By 2017, a team of around 140 skilled workers plus 30 apprentices generated sales of approximately 18 million euros. Today, 1zu1 occupies a total area of 6000 square meters, have a state of the art factory and 160 employees. The Austrian company have customers both national and international.
Advancing Polymer Additive Manufacturing in Europe for Customer Success
Customers benefit from a wide range of technologies under Prototal and one of the largest capacities in Europe for polymer additive manufacturing.
Prototal Industries announced today the sale of Prosilas to Prototal. Prosilas is one of the leading companies in 3D printing in Italy and offers services that help the customer through the entire process – from pre-process optimization, production and post process treatments.
The agreement, which was signed on Tuesday the 2nd of November, means that Prosilas customers now become part of the Prototal family, gaining access to a wide range of polymer additive technologies including injection molding and PU casting, under a single brand. The Prosilas acquisition is Prototal’s second outside the Nordics, marking the company’s intention to extend its reach throughout Europe.
Prosilas brings close to twenty years of industry expertise and one of the largest capacities in Europe for SLS. The Italian company will contribute to an increase of capacity and competence within Protoal. Prosilas is well invested, with the latest technology in 3D printing, as well as specialized and competent operator who deliver to customers all over Europe. The company also has the certifications ISO 9001: 2015 and ISO / IEC 27001 for cyber security.
Commenting on the deal, Jan Löfving, CEO of Prototal, said: “It is with great pleasure and pride that we welcome Prosilas to our group. Additive manufacturing has been a market constantly growing and innovating, and Prototal has made a number of acquisitions to consolidate its position and expand its offering. Prosilas has been at the forefront of this market for over twenty years, is a great fit for our family of brands, and will benefit all customers. The acquisition should be seen as a clear signal to the market of Prototal’s intention to actively develop the polymer market in Italy and globally.”
Prosilas and its strong and dedicated team will continue to be led by Vanna Menco, who has been within the company for several years.
Vanna Menco, CEO of Prosilas, added: “Joining the Prototal family is an exciting opportunity for Prosilas and its customers. When given the opportunity, it was an obvious choice for us to join the group. We strongly believe in the vision and highly appreciate their skills in the world of additive manufacturing. It’s the beginning of an exciting journey.”
About Prototal Industries
Prototal Industries offers digital manufacturing of plastic parts using 3D-printing, vacuum casting and injection molding. The company has a turnover of approximately half a billion SEK and has 200 employees in 7 locations. The company manufactures prototypes and serial products in plastic and was the pioneer in Europe in 3d-printing.
About Prosilas
Prosilas is one of the largest 3D printing suppliers in Europe and is an expert in additive technology. They are a leading player in Italy within SLS technology and have over 500 customers – both national and international. The company was founded in 2003 by Giulio Menco.
Vacuum casting is an advantageous and fast technique for producing small series or prototypes where the right material properties are important for functional testing.
A soft silicone tool is made from a 3D-printed SLA master. In the cavity that the SLA master creates is the silicone, 20-25 components can be cast with the desired material properties, color and finish.
The materials used are polyurethane-based with different properties and several different thermoplastics can be simulated, including glass fiber reinforced. The picture shows a customer project on a 2k-molded electronics enclosure with smooth surfaces, the materials simulate PP and a soft TPE, respectively. About twenty components were cast to test so that
The sealing principle worked as intended and the microswitches under the TPE buttons gave the correct response.
When you want to perform functional testing of your prototype
In development projects, there is often a need to undertake functional testing of the final design early on, using materials that simulate the plastic of the final construction. By producing casting moulds from silicon, parts can be cast in polyurethane (PUR) with the required properties.
Small series production
Vacuum casting is advantageous where small series production of plastic parts is required. The time required to produce a die is normally very short. The die is usually cast in silicon from a 3D printer master. The method does not require much post-processing, and the parts are like ordinary thermoplastics in their properties, e.g. hard, soft, rigid, flexible, heat-resistant and transparent.
To bear in mind
Parts cast in PUR that simulate various thermoplastics, from rubber grades in Shore 30 to 95A to glass-reinforced rigid materials.
V0 fire-rated material is also available.
The parts can be dyed the required colour; specify e.g. NCS or RAL colours.
Glass fibre can be added for greater torsional stiffness.
Around 20 to 25 parts can be cast in each mould cavity. More mould cavities can be created for larger quantities.
There is no problem adding metal parts or electronics to the cast.
Allowance should be made for release angles.
If you want stronger threads, we can include thread inserts in the cast or fit them afterwards.
