Teu2tec launches PEM robotic 3D printer for highly viscous pastes
The Paste Extrusion Modelling technology prints large-format urban furniture and other objects from elastomeric granulate
The “Goliath” manufacturing system, newly developed by the German startup Teu2tec GmbH, enables fast 3D printing of large-format objects from any type of granules using the paste extrusion modeling process (PEM). The system uses classic two-component polyurethane binders with fast curing times and granules with grain sizes up to 2,00 mm for this purpose. Due to the fast curing of the material (< 10 s), this method ensures both economical production and almost unlimited design freedom. By adapting the binders and materials used, the product properties can also be flexibly adjusted. All products to be manufactured can thus be made to cure elastically or firmly.
PEM printing method
For this project, Teu2tec used elastomer-based (EPDM) granules and polyurethane binder as the processing materials. The goal of the project was to develop a system that allows precise mixing and dosing between both components and produce fine printed layers that meet high-quality requirements.
The special design of the printing head enables the printing of highly viscous pastes. “Due to the very short pot life of fewer than 10 seconds, we can currently work here with printing speeds of up to 300 mm/s, with a mass flow of up to 100 g/s. That, already, is very impressive!” explained Jens Mikus, development engineer at Teu2tec.
The layer height can be adjusted from 3 mm to 12 mm, which not only enables fast printing processes but also, due to the low layer height, optically complex components can be realized. At 2200 x 2200 x 2000 mm, the volume is large enough to be used, for example, to design furniture or complete playground equipment for urban development.
Discontinuous and underwater printing
In an initial test series, the Teu2tec team has already succeeded in setting down and repositioning the print head during the active printing process. With the process technology used, an interruption of the extrusion during the additive process is realized and repositioning is made possible without further printing paste leaking from the nozzle.
The first printing tests underwater have been completed since the beginning of 2022. It is already becoming clear that the process, with appropriate binder systems, enables the printing of components underwater. In this way, the field of application is significantly expanded and classifies this printing process as a highly flexible and unique manufacturing process. The Teu2tec team is currently looking for partners to further develop the technology, to pilot the production process and for investors.
