AMT’s PostPro3D fully-automated, safe and sustainable post-processing solution for polymer additively manufactured parts was commercialised last year, and has proved successful with installations around the world. The PostPro3DMini was subsequently introduced to the market in early 2019, to offer all of the advantages of the PostPro3D, but in a more compact unit for smaller production runs at research institutions and design studios.
Based on AMT’s proprietary automated BLAST process, the PostPro3DMini is said to offer smoothing and surface modification that can achieve a surface quality equal to or better than injection moulding for AM parts produced using common 3D printing polymers. The process does not use water, but a recyclable, single, non-toxic agent. All AMT units are UL and CE certified.
The Institute of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology at TUM has embraced additive manufacturing as a development and production method, with considerable research dedicated to the development of new medical devices. AMT’s fully automated post-processing hardware is particularly suited to medical device applications because it meets all of the required safety standards regarding cytotoxicity. Tests by AMT with EOS PA2200 parts processed with the AMT PostPro3DMini, conform with all the necessary cytotoxicity tests, as well as skin irritation tests to normative references: ISO 10993-10 (2013), ISO 10993-1 (2018) and OECD TG 439.
The ISO 13485 certified Institute of Micro Technology and Medical Device Technology is developing individual instruments for various medical applications using EOS PA2200 material. Therefore, the institute sees a high potential in PostPro3D technology. The aim is to integrate the PostPro3DMini into the fabrication process of medical devices and increase the range of SLS fabricated parts for medical applications.
Joseph Crabtree, CEO of AMT, says: “The fact that the Mechanical Engineering department at TUM has purchased the PostPro3DMini to support this research, and for such a demanding application in the medical device sector, is a real testament to the capabilities of the PostPro3D platform.”
