AIM3D granted four new patents in the USA and Europe
Protecting a topology of 3D printing extruders in the high-temperature and high-flow range, as well as a detailed technical solution in the field of pellet processing
AIM3D, a pioneer in 3D printing with pellets using extrusion printers, has been granted fundamental patents in the USA and Europe. These patents ensure broad protection of the company’s technology and secure its leading role in compact decentralized pellet extruders and high-temperature material extrusion printing. The US patents also cover filament extruders (FDM printers) for high-temperature applications and high-flow hot ends.
Since 2017, AIM3D, a University of Rostock spin-off, has focused on 3D pellet printers, which offer lower material costs and inline recycling compared to FDM printers that use filaments. AIM3D’s patents, reflecting their development work from 2016 to 2018, protect both the overall extruder topology and specific technical solutions for pellet processing. The granted patents include EP3463799B1, EP3648946B1, US11541593B2, and US11597118B2 – covering systems for metal part manufacturing and compact extruders for thermo-mechanically deformable pellets.
AIM3D’s patented CEM technology features thermal separation of housing – leading to a short melting zone and uniform extrusion with high build rates. This technology allows the processing of materials like ULTEM 9085, important in the aerospace sector, with high build rates and excellent surface quality. The patents also cover the processing of metal-filled composites and thermoplastic polymers.
The extruder design ensures a short melting zone to prevent material degradation – leading to consistent extrusion widths and high component quality. The technology extends to filament or stick-based systems that use thermal separation for higher flow rates or high-temperature material processing.
AIM3D’s industrial 3D printers, the ExAM 255 (launched in 2019) and ExAM 510 (launched in 2023), are designed as multi-material printers for polymers, metals, and ceramics. The ExAM 510 system currently operates at a maximum build rate of 150 cm³/h, with aims to reach 300 to 600 cm³/h. AIM3D has placed around 40 3D industrial printing systems on the market.
“We now believe more than ever in our CEM technology. The granted patents reflect our impressive achievements in research and development as pioneers in 3D pellet printing. These patents secure our know-how for 3D pellet printers. At the same time, we are open to establishing licensing partnerships,” said Dr. Vincent Morrison, CEO of AIM3D.
