Spectroplast launches silicone 3D printer

Spectroplast has launched the SAM 3D printer for silicone products. According to a post from the startup on LinkedIn, this is the world’s first commercially available printer of its kind. It works with medical silicone and could for example expedite prototype manufacturing in the medtech industry and reduce costs.

Previously, the spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) with headquarters in Schlieren has only offered 3D printing of silicone products as a service. However Manuel Schaffner, CEO and Founder of Spectroplast, explains in an article on trade portal all3dp.com that some customer groups were interested in even faster delivery times. Owning a 3D printer was of particular interest to these clients. An example given by Schaffner is that of companies that make hearing aids.

Spectroplast’s printer technology, software, and materials are patented. The entire process consists of cutting, printing, washing, drying, and post-curing. According to Schneider, Spectroplast is currently working on a printer with a much greater throughput rate. Schaffner comments in the article: “By the end of the year, beginning of next year, we will be going live with a platform that is 50 times the size of our current system.” However, the larger machine will only be available to Spectroplast customers via the on-demand service at first.