With only a select number of large-scale 3D printing systems to choose from, the aerospace, automotive, boating, foundry, and thermoforming industries are constantly on the lookout for new equipment that can be used to produce large-scale tooling, masters, molds, fixtures, patterns, and plugs. Thanks to years of development, those industries now have a new tool at their disposal.  Introducing the new

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Acme Swiftlet CNC 3D Additive Printer

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The philosophy behind the new Swiftlet  machines is clear: 3D printing (additive) and CNC milling (subtractive) can be combined to create accurate, large-scale parts far more effectively than any single manufacturing technique. As such, each new Swiftlet machine includes both a 3D printing gantry and a second trim gantry that is actually a five-axis CNC router. Both gantries operate over the entire table surface, meaning all necessary functions for part production are carried out on the same machine. The machines have a ten-foot-wide, five-foot-high work envelope, with the length adjustable between ten and 100+ feet.

The 3D printing gantry of the new machines features an advanced, vertically mounted PH Series print head, made by Acme, which melts and meters the polymer 3D printing material. The print head can process filled thermoplastic composite materials at temperatures up to 343°C (650°F), while its triple servo design purportedly enables accurate and high-output printing, as well as providing the ability to change bead dimensions while printing. The design also produces better layer adhesion and gap-free printed structures.