Constantly evolving since its launch in 2019, Third - a 3D printing service for industry - is continuing its development and acquiring a machine dedicated to large-scale 3D printing, while diversifying its activity.
3D printing has often been associated with the manufacture of small parts, constrained by the size of each machine's tray or tank. For several years now, manufacturers in the sector have been innovating and offering larger part sizes. Third opted for a Massivit 5000, which can print one-piece parts up to 1.80 m high.
See the big picture in 3D printing!
At the outset, Massivit focused on the advertising and events markets, although today its applications have largely developed in the industrial sector (aeronautics, naval, transport, etc.).
The freedom of design combined with the speed of printing make this new machine a major asset for visual communication in the retail and events sectors.
On the retail side, the technology makes it possible to create one-off pieces or small quantities to liven up shop windows, or to adapt a marketing campaign to different point-of-sale configurations.
On the event side, major cultural and sporting events, as well as theme parks, see large-format 3D printing as a new opportunity to enrich their visitors' experience.
Exclusive, innovative technology
The Massivit machine is based on an exclusive Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP) technology. This consists of depositing successive layers of photopolymer gel, which hardens when a UV light is simultaneously passed through the print head. Production speed is a key feature of this innovation, thanks to a powerful algorithm that optimizes printing time and gel consumption.
This saves even more time than conventional thermoforming processes, which require the creation of a mold or counter-form.
As with all additive manufacturing technologies, weight optimization is an additional challenge. Only the necessary material is used. Some parts will therefore be hollow, while others will have different thicknesses, impacting on the final weight of the part.
"Large-format 3D printing is a topic that is shaking up many sectors. Requests to Third have multiplied in recent months, justifying this new investment phase. We're delighted to be able to add a new dimension to our business, and to be one of the few industrial players to have this machine on French territory."says Maxime Mahe, CEO and co-founder of Third.
At the same time, Third has developed a network of partners for post-finishing steps requiring specific expertise, such as painting with material effects, vinyl application, metallization... It is also possible to print parts in translucent material, enabling backlighting and light effects.
An approach that the young company's teams favor in the local economic fabric, in line with the development carried out over the last two years.
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