Illinois- based 3D printer manufacturer Azul 3D has joined hands with electronics firm DuPont together to introduce “next generation 3D printing technologies” and take the 3D industry ahead.
This agreement will push Azul 3D to use its High-Area Rapid Printing (HARP) technology. Chad Mirkin, Co-founder and Chairman of Azul 3D, said, partnership could allow its HARP rapid manufacturing technique to fulfil its end-use potential. This collaboration with DuPont is very important to us. In addition to validating the industry-enabling capabilities of HARP, it showcases our ability to use it to transform aspects of the manufacturing sector.”
HARP 3D printing technology
The HARP 3D printing technology by Azul 3D is very much advance. Azul 3D was founded in 2016 by three partners Chad A. Mirkin, David Walker and James Hedrick, developed HARP at the North-western University. Company initially operated the technology in stealth mode for three years, later commercialized the technology.
HARP 3D was first introduced within the journal of science in 2019, and these three researchers claimed their custom-made system is capable of achieving the record-breaking level of throughout. According to them, their innovation is capable of printing objects up to 13-feet and speed of half a yard (457.2 mm) an hour.
Currently, Azul 3D markets this technology as an alternative to stereolithography (SLA) based- systems that are either limited to print speed or size of their build volume. According to Mirkin, “When you can print fast and large, it can really change the way we think about manufacturing. With HARP, you can build anything you want without molds and without a warehouse full of parts. You can print anything you can imagine on-demand.”
One of the reasons why Azul’s HARP technology is widely used is because of its ability to print faster and larger due to its non-stick liquid called fluorinated oil. This helps in removing heat and prevents adhesion to the print bed.
Funding and Azul’s Partnership
Azul 3D was successful in raising $12.5 million investment for the development purpose. In its next seed funding, founders expected to ship its first HARP 3D printers to beta partners in Q1 2021.
The company in its statement said, its new system would be focusing more on mass manufacturing rather than prototyping application. The company also claimed that it is capable of printing tons of polymer products year by year.
Its new partnership with DuPont, Azul 3D is attempting to leverage the innate advantage of proprietary process, and engage in developing products for DuPont’s clients in electronic industry.
“Combining DuPont’s expertise with Azul 3D’s capabilities in 3D printing will be a powerful pathway for exploring new technology innovations,” said Nick Pugliano, Business Development Director of DuPont Electronics & Imaging. “We’re looking forward to collaborating to meet emerging industry needs.”
“We’re excited to get to work with DuPont’s visionary team and to move the field forward,” added David Walker, Co-founder and CTO of Azul 3D. “This is a great example of how HARP isn’t just competing with other technologies in niche applications; we’re fundamentally expanding the adoption of additive manufacturing into exciting and previously inaccessible applications.”
