BMF APAC and MultiMatter debut microArch M150 for multi-material 4D printing

BMF APAC and Shenzhen MultiMatter Science and Technology Co., Ltd. have introduced the microArch M150, a high-resolution photopolymer printer that supports multi-material 4D printing. Designed for scientific research and industrial prototyping, the system is intended to address persistent challenges in additive manufacturing by enabling the fabrication of functionally integrated, stimulus-responsive components.

The microArch M150 delivers 25-micron optical resolution and supports a range of photopolymer materials, including hard resins, elastomers, hydrogels, shape-memory polymers (SMPs), and conductive elastomers. The platform targets applications in biomedical engineering, soft robotics, and aerospace, where combined mechanical, electrical, and morphological properties are often required in a single printed part.

Centrifugal switching and gradient layering

The core feature of the M150 is a centrifugal multi-material switching system that uses high-speed rotation—up to 10,000 RPM—to clear residual material during transitions between resins. According to the companies, this approach supports up to 2,000 material changes per print, reducing cross-contamination and increasing system reliability.

An integrated slicing engine enables spatial distribution of materials across complex geometries, processing up to 500 slices per minute. The printer also supports co-fabrication of up to three materials with inter-layer transition zones under 100 microns, allowing for functional gradients across structural elements.

Material compatibility spans a viscosity range of 5–5,000 centipoise (cps), accommodating a wide array of functional formulations.

Research-driven use cases

In flexible electronics, the M150 allows simultaneous printing of conductive and elastic materials to build embedded circuits on deformable substrates. This capability may help eliminate mechanical mismatch issues in wearable sensors and other conformal devices.

In micro-robotics, the printer supports the co-fabrication of rigid transmission elements with flexible actuators, enabling integrated electromechanical systems for precision tasks such as minimally invasive medical procedures or environmental sensing.

For biomedical applications, the ability to print hydrogels alongside reinforcing SMPs supports the creation of adaptive tissue scaffolds and implantable medical devices that respond to physiological stimuli. The fine spatial control of materials is intended to better replicate the microarchitectures of natural tissues.

In aerospace, combining SMPs with conductive elastomers enables adaptive components that can morph in response to environmental changes. These could include deployable structures or self-adjusting mechanisms for low-gravity environments.

BMF and MultiMatter position the M150 as a production-ready tool for organizations aiming to bridge research and manufacturing in next-generation product development.