Horizon Microtechnologies has announced that it has invested in a microArch S240 micro 3D printing platform as a result of early-stage funding secured by the company Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF). The BMF microArch S240 machine acquired by the company enables Horizon to offer a “truly vertically integrated” 3D microfabrication service, according to the company.
Horizon says the S240, which comes from BMF’s 10µm series of micro 3D printing solutions, is an ideal option for companies requiring ultra-high resolution, accuracy and precision. Horizon says it will use the system to internally produce micro-AM templates onto which it can apply its proprietary environmentally resistant metallic or non-metallic conductive coatings.
According to Horizon, the S240 can print technical-grade materials and has a large volume specifically tailored to the needs of industrial production.
“The introduction of the BMF micro AM machine is an important step for us as a company. “We already offer a range of post-build coating technologies for micro-AM parts to enhance their functionality, but our core expertise goes beyond this with a unique in-house understanding of the entire micro-AM based 3D micromanufacturing process chains,” said Andreas Frölich, CEO of Horizon Microtechnologies.
Frölich continued: “The introduction of the BMF micro AM machine into our facilities brings with it the complete technology infrastructure to bring this 3D microfabrication know-how in-house on behalf of our customers, giving them the enormous advantage to gain access to real technology.” vertically integrated solution partner that can support you from design to manufacturing to delivery from a single source. It will also accelerate the research and development and innovation of our breakthrough 3D-enabled post-build coating technologies for micro-AM parts, enabling much broader, more agile and timely interaction with customers and improving sales and marketing activities.”
Read more: Horizon Microtechnologies brings 3D microfabrication technology to market
Horizon says its internal infrastructure to act as an end-to-end product development and contract manufacturing partner results in the company’s ability to influence the design of micro AM parts for end-use functionality and for the Application to optimize its proprietary coating technologies.
Frölich added: “When producing exceptionally precise and close-tolerance parts and components, the importance and added value of a vertically integrated development and manufacturing partner are paramount.” First, incorporating manufacturability considerations along the entire microfabrication process chain early into design decisions reduces the number of iterations during the product development phase. This simultaneously reduces time to market and overall product development costs.
“In addition, our high level of vertical integration requires strict control and coordination across the various stages of production, from raw material procurement to final assembly. In the context of precision manufacturing, this approach ensures complete quality control, optimal material selection, optimized communication and improved process efficiency. It is important that the interdependencies of the various process steps are identified, that the execution of the manufacturing process is completely transparent and can be strictly controlled.”
According to Horizon, by eliminating dependencies on external vendors, a vertically integrated supplier like itself can guarantee consistent specifications, minimize lead times, reduce potential bottlenecks and deliver accurate and repeatable components that meet tolerances and specifications.
