9T Labs to showcase additive manufacturing capabilities at JEC World
Demonstrating how lightweight carbon parts are pushing cross-sector boundaries
9T Labs, experts in digital, automated, and cost-competitive serial production of continuous fiber components, will be demonstrating how lightweight carbon parts are pushing cross-sector boundaries at JEC World in Paris, from 3rd to 5th May 2022. This exhibition comes after the company’s recent Series A funding that raised $17million to help commercialise its Red Series Additive Fusion Solution platform, with key investments made by 3D printing company, Stratasys, and thermoplastic composites supplier Solvay SA.
9T Labs’ Build and Fusion Modules are operated through its Fibrify software that was co-developed with partner and simulation provider, Ansys. The machines work together to produce high-performance composites in large volumes by taking advantage of fast production cycles and favourable processability of thermoplastic composites. This manufacturing method offers manufacturers the opportunity to directly replace metal parts and conventional manufactured composite parts.
Yannick Willemin, Head of Marketing and Business Development at 9T Labs, commented: “This is a special opportunity to exhibit the developments we have made in the additive manufacturing space for advanced composites. We look forward to engaging with visitors about our vision for sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials.”
9T Labs will be available at JEC World 2022 (Hall 5, Stand Q88), with two running Build Modules and one Fusion Module for visitors to experience. The team will be available to discuss how additive manufacturing of fibre-reinforced lightweight carbon parts is much more accessible than using conventional methods; driving the definition of new standards and certifications to increase industry adoption for end-use parts in marketing including aerospace, medical, sport and luxury.
In addition, the company will display items highlighting its unique ability to employ the most advanced structures, materials, and technologies at scale. Among these is an aerospace bracket developed in partnership with University Purdue and Boeing, designed to overcome the challenge faced when printing complex load-carrying sub-parts whilst also producing the final part through overmolding with carbon fibre chips. Other lightweight carbon parts include aerospace struts developed using PEKK with continuous carbon fibre. (Hutchinson) and an exoskeleton winglet developed in partnership with the Centre de dévelopement des composites du Québec (CDCQ) and Mawashi, showcasing the ability to print preforms and reshape them into a curved shape during the post-consolidation process.
At the JEC World booth, a helicopter door hinge developed in partnership with the University of Applied Science and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, designed to allow for printing of sub-parts before welding during the post-consolidation, fusion process will follow along with an automotive hinge developed in partnership with Setforge. It is a lightweight additive alternative to metal suspension brackets which can be used on small commercial vehicles.
