powerPrint Flex This KraussMaffei system uses a Sinumerik One system from Siemens AG, Munich, to control a six-axis robot that’s been integrated with a modular Fused Granular Fabrication additive manufacturing system. It can produce large, thin-walled components, including parts for use in the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as functional prototypes. Featuring modular architecture, compact motors and advanced control technology, the. system has individually controllable zones, an intelligent feed system and a material drying system connected to the material feed via a vacuum feed system. The printing and robotic system can be integrated with rotary table or milling cells. According to KraussMaffei, the system is appropriate for even the most demanding fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and high-performance polymers.
What's new? The technology, released at 2025’s Rapid+TCT. More recently, at Formnext, KraussMaffei demonstrated the powerPrint Flex producing a carbon fiber-reinforced PC rear diffuser for a sports car.
Benefits Flexibility, modularity and scalability. The system allows for the tool-free manufacture of large parts, and users can easily integrate it with other technologies and processes. It is precise and efficient.
KraussMaffei Corp., Florence, Ky., 859-283-0200, www.kraussmaffei.com/en
Vital Statistics
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Standard configuration of powerPrint Flex (custom options are available) |
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Robot |
N-170 from Comau, Turin, Italy |
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Size of print bed |
8.2 feet by 6.6 feet |
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Maximum print bed temperature |
356 degrees Fahrenheit |
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Included extruder |
KraussMaffei’s printCore 35-25 |
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Included extruder’s hourly throughput rate |
Around 66 pounds to 154 pounds, depending on material feed system |
About the Author
Karen Hanna
Senior Staff Reporter
Senior Staff Reporter Karen Hanna covers injection molding, molds and tooling, processors, workforce and other topics, and writes features including In Other Words and Problem Solved for Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing, Plastics Recycling and The Journal of Blow Molding. She has more than 15 years of experience in daily and magazine journalism.