INTERVIEW: Thomas Batigne, Silicone 3D Printing with Lynxter

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3D printing with silicone is an interesting prospect, particularly given the lengthy listing of fabric traits. Notably, silicone has excessive warmth resistance, tolerating temperatures above 200°C (392°F), its inert nature and biocompatibility make it widespread in medical purposes, and sealing and electrical insulation properties lend the fabric to varied makes use of in lots of sectors.

Maybe, then, it’s stunning that using silicone by the additive manufacturing business is just not extra widespread.

I spoke to Thomas Batigne, Co-founder and President of Lynxter, to find out how his firm is unlocking the alternatives for this versatile materials and fixing the technical challenges required to make silicone 3D printable.

Lynxter started when Airbus noticed a 3D printing system developed by the co-founders at an entrepreneurship contest. Bolstered by curiosity from the aerospace firm, Batigne, and the workforce developed a modular, delta-style 3D printer that additionally caught the attention of Whole and Schneider Electrical. Many shoppers have been significantly enthusiastic about Lynxter’s silicone 3D printing capabilities, so the event path to the Lynxter S300X started.

The Lynxter S300X 3D printer is designed for silicone and polyurethane supplies. It might 3D print at totally different factors on the shore hardness scale with liquid silicone elastomers and polyurethanes.

Batigne elaborated on development from delta to IDEX programs. The enlargement was impressed by the aim of enhancing calibration and upkeep and lowering value. “It’s like shopping for an SLR digicam however solely utilizing one lens. It doesn’t make any sense, however that’s what some individuals have been doing,” Batigne defined, evaluating the redundant modularity for customers who wished entry primarily to silicone. The aim was to create a machine “as free to design and print no matter you need, as you’ll be with a thermoplastic 3D printer.”

Lynxter silicone 3D printing. Photograph by way of Lynxter.

3D print silicone?

Batigne elaborated on the know-how aspect, emphasizing how silicone printing differentiates from thermoplastics. In common 3D printing, one nozzle can handle each the first materials and help, leveraging layer fusion variances for simple elimination. However silicone printing’s power – its inherent cohesion – turns into a problem with help buildings, that are more durable to separate as a result of their adhesion.

To deal with this, Lynxter innovated a gel help that synergizes with silicone.

The S300X has two device heads, the LIQ21 and the LIQ11. The previous handles the 3D printing of the element, whereas the latter produces the water-soluble helps required. 

When requested about how the rheological properties of silicone affect the buildings being made, Batigne provided, “The extra gel-like is the silicone, the simpler it is going to be to 3D print as a result of it would simply keep there.” Nevertheless, the trickiness lies in layering. Getting the precise viscosity is crucial, because it impacts not solely the printability but additionally the fabric’s resistance to UV and elasticity. Highlighting Lynxter’s benefit available in the market, Batigne remarked, “As a result of we use PCP pumps, we will dose and transfer these tremendous viscous supplies which can be simply inconceivable to pour in a vat or jet.”

The LIQ21 dispenses a single-part liquid hydrogel, which is water-soluble and environmentally pleasant. This head is paramount for overhangs.

By specializing in chemistry, Lynxter has maintained the integrity and properties of the supplies, making them equivalent to these utilized in medical or industrial fields. Lynxter’s supplies are usually not mere imitations. When some firms present ‘ABS-like’ or ‘PA-6-like’ supplies, Lynxter ensures that their merchandise come from fields the place persons are acquainted with them, obviating the necessity for contemporary certifications.

As Batigne revealed, the healthcare business is a main focus for Lynxter, addressing the shortcomings of present 3D printers available in the market. He highlighted the problems with photo-activated resins relating to elasticity, sturdiness, and UV growing old. Silicone 3D printing is an answer to those challenges, significantly in creating medical units.

Attaining excessive decision is essential. But, the limitation of the fabric extrusion course of lies within the nozzle’s diameter and the layer’s peak. Batigne clarifies, “Now we have the identical type of decision for an industrial FDM printer, which is often greater than sufficient for what we have now to do.”

With innovation, challenges abound. Batigne mentioned the challenges of silicone printing, particularly when coping with advantageous buildings. To beat these, Lynxter makes use of clever XY helps, maximizing print constancy even in intricate designs.

A power of Lynxter’s course of is its minimal post-processing necessities. He exhibits me a 3D printed piece of silicone, “There was no pretreatment. I simply look ahead to the silicone to remedy at room temperature,” shared Batigne. On the subject of curing or the method of setting a fabric, Batigne says that for many supplies, the method will be totally executed throughout the machine. In different instances, a easy exterior warmth remedy would possibly suffice. They will additionally apply a remedy known as “gentle contact,” a silicone varnish making the top product smoother.

The Lynxter S300X Silicone 3DPrinter. Photograph by way of Lynxter.

Unlocking additive purposes

One other utility demonstrated by Batigne exhibits how silicone caps can enhance the method chain for floor remedies. Right this moment, within the aeronautical sector, masking – or shielding part of an object from remedy – is painstakingly executed utilizing adhesive tape. This process, although important, is labor intensive. However Batigne believes there’s a greater means – utilizing 3D printed silicone caps for masking. Caps will be produced to the precise geometry required, and becoming them is so simple as placing the lid on a bottle.

One other thrilling improvement on this sector is the appearance of multi-material silicone 3D printing. Batigne shared insights about mixing applied sciences: “Now that these applied sciences are maturing, we will begin mixing them.” Lynxter’s experiments have concerned combining silicone with conductive ink, thermoplastics, and hydrogels. This combine guarantees to herald gentle robots – these grippers that flex and grip, nearly mimicking a human contact.

Silicone, given its biocompatibility, is carving out a big area of interest within the medical sector. Batigne talked about a number of purposes: “We’ve been capable of print tailored masks for burn victims, cooling units for most cancers remedies, and even boluses to decelerate lasers focusing on particular depths in pores and skin most cancers remedies.”

A very placing development is within the space of prosthetics: “When executed with pores and skin most cancers, you would possibly want to chop your nostril. You’ll be able to exchange that with an excellent correct mannequin of your nostril made out of silicone.”

Lynxter silicone 3D printing in use for gentle robotics. Photograph by way of Lynxter.

A brand new market alternative

Unlocking these supplies will create a sizeable marketplace for purposes. With thermoplastics main the worldwide market in additive manufacturing, the place does silicone stand? By Batigne’s estimates, if international silicone figures are round $20 billion in comparison with plastics at $31 billion, the market potential for silicone in 3D printing is substantial. 

Lynxter’s management within the silicone 3D printing business is simple, holding a considerable market share. “Nobody has taken this market but. We’re the largest on this subject,” highlighted Batigne, indicating the expansive 400 million market alternative. However for Lynxter, the numbers are just the start.

Because the dialogue winds down, Batigne touches upon Lynxter’s distinctive place available in the market. Silicone 3D printing remains to be a nascent subject, however Lynxter’s early foray into it, coupled with its unmatched choices at aggressive costs, units it aside. Batigne confidently asserts, “It’s a game-changer. Now, it’s develop into usable on the appropriate value, and it’s able to print.”

Batigne unveiled their upcoming venture with Synthene, one of many largest polyurethane producers in France. “It’s a real automotive-grade PU,” he defined, hinting at new product releases and important software program upgrades on the horizon. These developments, Batigne believes, will additional place Lynxter on the forefront of 3D printing with these versatile supplies.

Learn extra about silicone 3D printing and Lynxter right here.

Featured picture exhibits Lynxter silicone 3D printing. Photograph by way of Lynxter.

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