Big Area Added Manufacturing System

In collaboration with the Centre of Expertise Smart Sustainable Manufacturing of the NHL-Stenden Hogeschool (university of applied sciences), Stevens Engineering developed and delivered a Big Console 3D Printer. The large printing system, with a reach of 1 x 1 x 0.7 metres, will be used by the Circular Plastics lectorate in Leeuwarden in its research into large-size 3D printing and the circular use of plastics and composites.

Several students of the degree programmes of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering from Emmen and Leeuwarden have participated in developing the system. Using CAD software, they design a geometry to be printed and convert it into print layers via SprutCAM. In a post-processor, this is converted into G codes for controlling. These codes are translated by CodeSys software into printer movements and controlling the Munsch GMEK extruder. In the period ahead, this ‘beta’ version will be optimised in Leeuwarden and prepared for production. A unique printing system for a unique application.