Desktop Metal has launched Fiber™, which it says is the first desktop 3D printer to fabricate high-resolution parts with industrial-grade, continuous fiber composite materials used in automated fiber placement (AFP) processes. Based on a new process called micro automated fiber placement (μAFP), the printer produces parts using materials that are two times stronger than steel at one-fifth the weight.

It miniaturizes AFP technology and combines it with FFF 3D printing technology. The printer uses a robotic tool changer architecture for future expandability, and it can store up to four tools, including additional FFF heads for different materials or future enhancements such as automated in-process inspection.

The printer has one of the largest build envelopes of any continuous fiber desktop printer, the company reports, and it’s designed to be arranged in print farm configurations of six or 10 printers.

The Additive Report focuses on the use of additive manufacturing technology in the real world of manufacturing. Today’s manufacturers are using 3D printing technology to create tools and fixtures, and some are even using AM for high-volume production work. Their stories will be covered here.

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