Lithoz launches giant CeraMax Vario V900 3D printer supporting SiC

Lithoz, one of the leaders in ceramic 3D printing, quietly launched the new and massive CeraMax Vario V900, the first 3D printer that can produce large components with thick walls and full densities using oxide and non-oxide ceramics, including dark ceramics such as silicon carbide, to full density.

With the ability to process up to 1.000 µm slurry per layer and a build envelope of up to 250 x 250 x 290 mm, the CeraMax Vario V900 is based on LIS (Laser Induced Slipcasting) technology, enabling additive manufacturing using industrial water-based suspensions with very low organic binder contents. Due to the simplified debinding of the CeraMax Vario V900, wall thicknesses can be realized that were not possible in other ceramic 3D printing technologies to date.

The CeraMax Vario V900 combines combining all the most desirable properties of technical ceramics, such as low organic binder content, the ability to use water-based materials and to create green parts that are easily machinable. In the LIS technology powering the CeraMax Vario V900, a water-based slurry solution completely absorbs the laser beam. Due to treatment being purely heat-induced, even dark ceramics such as silicon carbide can be processed without issues or loss of desired properties. Silicon carbide, one of the most sought-after technical ceramics for both mechanical properties and width of possible applications, is notoriously difficult to process via any additive manufacturing technology that involves the use of light for curing of slurry materials.

CeraMax Vario V900 tech specs:

• Building envelope up to 250 x 250 x 290 mm
• Layer thicknesses between 200 – 1.000 µm
• Precision optics: F-Theta lens and high-speed scanner
• CO2 Laser Spot Diameter (1/E2) ca. 0.5mm
• Scanning speed: up to 8m/s
• Layer thickness: 200 – 1.000µm
• Building envelope (x / y / z): up to 250 x 250 x 290mm
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 1.85 x 0.95 x 2.20mIIoT & Industry 4.0 ready

A central element of the CeraMax Vario is the database-supported storage and management of all process data, enabling seamless documentation of print jobs. Optional software upgrades allow for even better parameter control or adjustment, as well as the structuring of your production data and the possibility of real-time process monitoring via real-time remote video transmission.