Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), a market leader in ultra-high precision 3D printing solutions, is introducing four new High-Performance Resins for its microArch 3D printers. These advanced materials, which include 3D Systems’ Figure 4® HI TEMP 300-AMB, BASF Ultracur3D 3280, and BMF resins HTF and SR, strengthen BMF’s ability to meet the diverse and demanding needs of industries such as aerospace, medical devices, electronics, and biotechnology.
By introducing these advanced materials to the lineup, BMF enables engineers and researchers to design fit-for-purpose precision parts with unprecedented accuracy, heat resistance, and material performance.
New High-Performance Resins
3D Systems Figure 4 HI TEMP 300-AMB
This production-grade, ultra-high temperature resistant plastic is ideal for extreme thermal environments, with a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of more than 300°C. Figure 4 HI TEMP 300-AMB, with its excellent rigidity and visualisation properties, is ideal for HVAC components, motor enclosures, and low-pressure moulding, allowing for precise high-temperature testing.
Applications: HVAC systems, consumer appliances, motor enclosures, and low-pressure molding.
Key Benefits: HDT over 300°C, no secondary thermal post-cure required, and superior rigidity.
BASF Ultracur3D 3280
Ultracur3D 3280 is a ceramic-filled resin with exceptional stiffness (Young’s modulus of 10 GPa) and a high heat deflection temperature (>280°C), making it ideal for tooling, molding, and wind tunnel testing. Its low viscosity and stable suspension make it simple to handle and print, establishing it as a standout material in the field of high-temperature and high-strength applications.
Applications: Tooling, wind tunnel testing, and moulds inserts.
Key Benefits: Superior stiffness and temperature performance, high stability, and easy to print.
HTF (High–Temp)
BMF created HTF, a high-temperature resistant, tough, and biocompatible resin. It is autoclave-sterilisable and suitable for applications requiring biocompatibility and flexibility. With an HDT of 152°C and compatibility with aerospace and biotech applications, HTF is adaptable to a wide range of demanding environments.
Applications: Aerospace, precision electronics, and biotechnology.
Key Benefits: Biocompatibility, autoclave sterilisable, and higher flexibility than comparable materials.
SR (Sacrificial Resin)
SR, a soluble, sacrificial material, allows the creation of single-use moulds for parts made from other materials that cannot be easily printed, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyoxymethylene (POM). This material expands the possibilities for prototyping and low-volume production by lowering the cost and complexity of micro-injection moulding.
Applications: Single-use moulds, low-volume part production, and PDMS applications.
Key Benefits: Dissolves in a sodium hydroxide solution and facilitates cost-effective part production.
Unlocking New Possibilities for Micro Manufacturing
Each of these materials complements the unique capabilities of BMF’s microArch 3D printers, allowing industries such as medical devices, electronics, and aerospace to continue pushing the limits of micro-scale 3D printing.
“Before discovering BMF, Makuta struggled to find a cost-effective solution for prototyping due to the size and complexity of their moulded parts. Traditional methods like aluminium or urethane moulds often fell short in holding the required tolerances, and the expense of creating entirely new moulds was prohibitive.”
– Taki Yamada, Director of Business Dev, Makuta
Yamada added, “Using BASF Ultracur3D 3280 on BMF’s microArch system, we were blown away by the impeccable finish and precision of the first 3D printed mould inserts we received. Not only were they able to reproduce intricate features flawlessly, but they also maintained the tight tolerances our projects demand.”
“Boston Micro Fabrication’s micro-precision 3D printing technology has completely transformed how we approach connector manufacturing. Previously limited to tolerances of 5 thousandths with traditional methods, BMF allowed us to achieve tolerances of 1 to 2 thousandths, opening new possibilities for compact, high-performance connectors.”
– George Glatts, Owner, Z-Axis Connector Company
Glatts added, “Their platform also enabled us to use 3D Systems Figure 4 HI TEMP 300-AMB material that can withstand temperatures up to 300°C, meeting the demands of standard electronic assembly processes, enhancing efficiency and allowing us to create more compact, innovative designs. With BMF, we’ve reduced time and costs while delivering precision and performance that surpass industry standards.”
About Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF): Founded in 2016, Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) enables highly precise, micro-scale 3D printing across healthcare, the life sciences, electronics, and machining industries. Using the company’s proprietary PμSL (Projection Micro Stereolithography) technology, the microArch system printers produce the industry’s most accurate and precise high-resolution 3D prints for product development, research, and industrial short run production.
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