UpNano launches NanoPro 2PP production microparts service
The NanoPro VT, the new two-photon polymerization 3D printer behind the service, is the first machine capable of industrial mass production of microparts
UpNano, the Vienna-based two-photon polymerization specialist behind the NanoOne series of desktop 2PP 3D printers, has launched a new production-level system and an accompanying part production service at Formnext 2024.
According to the Austrian company, the UpNano NanoPro VT uses efficient and cost-effective mechanisms to offer unprecedented high-volume production of microparts for industrial manufacturing processes. One of the patented printer’s biggest assets is its throughput: UpNano says the printer can operate at 32 Megavoxels (million volume pixels) per second or several thousand cubic millimeters per hour.
“This outstanding performance makes it possible to print a million identical parts, or a million parts with individual modifications,” says Peter Gruber, CTO of UpNano. “In addition, the resolution of the printer allows structures and tolerances below 100 nm. The ability to print the entire surface of 200 x 200 mm substrates is also unique.”
Key features of the NanoPro VT include:
- Automatic lens changer for increased flexibility and optimized production cycles
- Green 515 nm wavelength laser (as used in the recently launched NanoOne green)
- ISO 5 cleanroom operation
- Temperature-stable and vibration-isolated
UpNano adopts service model
Unlike its various NanoOne systems for 2PP rapid prototyping of microparts (including those made from fused silica glass and biomaterials), the NanoPro VT will be used exclusively in-house at UpNano headquarters, allowing customers to order serial production microparts directly from UpNano.
“With the development of the NanoPro VT, UpNano is now in the position to offer the first fully integrated 2PP based service for industrial microparts,” says Bernhard Küenburg, CEO of UpNano. “With over 20 years of experience in 2PP technology, our team is available to collaborate closely with customers to deliver tailored solutions from design via prototyping to serial production including delivery worldwide.”
The company says the switch to a service model will ultimately benefit customers by eliminating the need for clean room facilities, post-processing equipment, metrology, and inspection. Meanwhile NanoOne users can continue to design and prototype parts on their existing systems before seamlessly transferring their designs to UpNano for production.
The launch of the NanoPro service at Formnext completes a busy season for UpNano, which in October completed a €7M (approximately $7.578M) Series A funding round co-led by aws Gründungsfonds, Novacapital, and IGO Innovation GmbH. Earlier this month, the company launched the NanoOne green printer.
