CCAT Acquires New 3D Printer Capabilities

The Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology’s (CCAT; East Hartford, CT) can now 3D print a wider variety of fiber reinforcement patterns with the recently acquired Mark Two Markforged 3D printer, the world’s first printer capable of printing continuous carbon fiber, Kevlar®, and fiberglass.

The revolutionary Markforged printer breaks ground in 3D printing using a fused deposition modeling process to reinforce parts with composite fibers, and obtain strength and stiffness comparable to plastic laser sintered parts. The printer allows components to have the same or different strength values when measured in different directions. Using this function and a continuous filament fabrication print head alongside a fused filament fabrication print head, CCAT can now print functional parts by combining nylon with continuous fiber.

These components can be up to 27 times stiffer and 24 times stronger than ABS, a plastic commonly used for injection molding, have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than aluminum, and have the strength of metals. In addition, the set up and post-processing operations are less time-consuming than many plastic 3D laser printers. “Having already printed prototype parts and small fixtures for in-house use, we look forward to helping manufacturers benefit from the unique capabilities of this technology,” stated Don Balducci, the director of the AMC at CCAT.

CCAT is a nonprofit organization headquartered in East Hartford that creates and executes bold ideas advancing applied technologies, IT strategies, energy solutions, STEM education, and career development. By leading state, regional, and national partnerships, the organization helps manufacturers, academia, government and nonprofit organizations excel.

www.ccat.us