Unleashing ‘The Beast’: Markforged Revolutionizes Manufacturing with FX20 3D Printer

Markforged, a frontrunner in additive manufacturing technology, has introduced a game-changer dubbed ‘The Beast’ – the FX20, its largest and fastest 3D Printer yet. Teaming up with Phillips Additive, the FX20 made its grand debut at the Additive Manufacturing Summit 2024, held at The Park in Bengaluru, India, on March 20, 2024.

Sporting an impressive build volume of 525 mm by 400 mm by 400 mm, the FX20 boasts printing capabilities nearly five times larger than its predecessors, operating at speeds up to eight times faster. Markforged’s exclusive Digital Forge platform underpins this feat, setting a new benchmark for productivity in additive manufacturing. Particularly in industries requiring robust, mission-critical parts, traditional manufacturing processes can prove cumbersome and costly.

Anuj Budhiraja, VP of Additive Manufacturing at Phillips Machine Tools India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Phillips Corporation, USA, hailed the FX20’s potential to redefine additive manufacturing in India. He praised its strength, precision, and efficiency, foreseeing a transformative impact across sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defense, energy, drones, and robotics.

A standout feature of the FX20 is its heated build chamber, capable of maintaining temperatures up to 200°C. This facilitates the use of flame-retardant, high-performance thermoplastics, ideal for demanding applications across industries. From intricate detailing to complex internal structures, the FX20 delivers exceptional surface finish and precision, unlocking new possibilities in manufacturing.

Prrashant Sinha, Country Manager – India, Markforged, emphasized the disruptive potential of 3D printing technology in India, highlighting its role in accelerating innovation and operational efficiency. He stressed its capacity to drive key manufacturing parameters such as speed to market, design flexibility, product quality, cost efficiency, and supply chain agility.

With a shared vision to decentralize production, Markforged and Phillips Additive aim to bolster India’s manufacturing industry, enhancing resilience, robustness, and flexibility. The FX20 launch attracted industry leaders from automotive, aerospace, electronics, EVs, drones, and robotics, as well as research sectors like design, R&D, and new product development.

Saravanan Sakhtivel, Director of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at Ola Electric Mobility Pvt Ltd, lauded the FX20 launch as a convergence of diverse domains toward a common goal. He envisioned its potential for printing components like fixtures and toolings, traditionally manufactured, now accessible with this cutting-edge printer.

Similarly, B Thej Kumar, Vice President of Operations Product Development and Quality at Toyoda Gosei South India Pvt Ltd, hailed the event as an opportunity to engage with industry peers and explore new avenues in additive manufacturing. He praised the educational initiatives of Markforged University and hailed the FX20 as a promising asset for R&D activities in the evolving landscape of additive manufacturing.

Original source MMI