If a company uses them to manufacture the components built into its own products, this is probably the best reference. Among other things, all plastic parts that are built into the 3D printers from HM-3D are produced on them. For the high guidance accuracy, durability and light construction of the devices, the manufacturer relies on guidance components from Dr. Tretter or aluminum linear technology.

It's not that long ago that customers paid for high-quality 3D printer still six-digit amounts on the counter. That has changed massively. Today, prices can even range below 1000 euros. The handling of the devices has also become much easier over the years. The printers are therefore no longer only used by companies in a wide variety of industries, but also by technology nerds and in private households.

Modular 3D printer for almost all filaments

One of the successful manufacturers is HM-3D, headquartered in the Swiss town of Neunkirch. In the summer, the company presented its latest version of the "HM-EVO 380". Thanks to its modular design, the model can be adapted to the needs of the user just like its predecessor. The system works with almost all 3D printer filaments with a diameter of 1,75 mm and a layer thickness of 0,03 mm. For precise and repeatable processes, the manufacturer attaches great importance to high-quality components. Here, HM-3D relies on its own quality and, for example, produces the required plastic parts on its 3D printers.

For the mechanical components for guidance and drive, the company relies on selected partners such as Dr. Ing. Tretter GmbH from the Swabian Rechberghausen and the Alulineartechnik AG from Beringen in the canton of Schaffhausen. "The cooperation with HM-3D complemented each other perfectly, and together we were able to offer optimal advice and the most suitable solutions," says Tassilo Tretter, Managing Director at Dr. Ing. Tretter. Since the customer is based in Switzerland, Alulineartechnik AG takes over the direct support. For customers based in Germany, Dr. Ing. Tretter this part.

“The Alu-SF is a perfect complement to ours linear guideprogram. The cooperation with the Swiss manufacturer is very harmonious and that is why we are very familiar with the product and are allowed to act as the exclusive trading partner on the German market," explains Tassilo Tretter.

Aluminum profile rail guides

Profile rail guides made of aluminum are used for the basic mechanical structure of the 3D printer (picture above). "Profile rail guides made of aluminum have established themselves as the standard solution for linear movements", explains Alexander Caliebe, Managing Director of Alulineartechnik AG, and he also knows why: "They are precise, very light and rust-resistant. If it comes down to cost or weight savings, they can be a much more profitable solution compared to steel versions. This is often the decisive argument for handling and positioning movements, as was the case here with the 3D printers. "

The main body of rail and carriages consist of an aluminum-wrought alloy. They are anodized and thus ensure high corrosion resistance. The steel inserts in stainless steel provide the necessary precision of the guide system. This makes the aluminum guides resilient and at the same time round 60% lighter than corresponding steel versions. Because this requires less mass to be accelerated, this also reduces the required drive power. The user saves on the whole line.

30.000 km lifetime thanks to initial lubrication

Another indirect cost reduction is lifetime lubrication - designed for 30.000 km. This is guaranteed by the standard initial lubrication of the guide system and because it is very low-friction. As a result, the guidance accuracy remains almost constant over the entire service life. Elaborate maintenance is eliminated.

Linear unit with spindle guide as standard and special solution

In addition, this design allows for much greater parallelism and height variations of the mounting surfaces. In some cases, the rail guides can even be fastened to unworked mounting surfaces, because the aluminum body compensates for small unevenness and thus places little demands on the substructure.

Ready to install ball screws

For the drive technology one trusts in the Ball Screws (picture above) by Dr. kicker. For an optimal print image, a high level of accuracy is required, especially in the vertical movement, which is why the ball screws from Dr. Tretter decided.

"Based on the application and the requirement profile discussed with the customer, we were able to offer the optimal ball screw drive from our wide range - these are then delivered ready for installation," explains Tassilo Tretter.

The processing of the spindles used takes place in-house, so the needs for special solutions can be implemented quickly and easily. In combination with the Timing belts the system thus achieves a positioning accuracy of ± 6 µm on the X and Y and ± 1 µm on the Z axis with a resolution of 20 µm.

Linear bearings for round shafts and fast movements

Customer-tailored solutions and high availability - as both men agree - are the most important arguments for the customer and a good reason to cooperate closely. Above all, this helps customers to be successful in fast-growing or fast-changing markets.

Satisfied customer with promising product

"With our aluminum rail guides and the ball screws of Dr. Ing. Tretter we supply high-quality and application-specific solutions from a single source, "explains Alexander Caliebe. With their precision and high repeat accuracy, the components contribute to the reliable operation process, allowing even complex components to be quickly produced on the 3D printer with little effort. "With optimum production and material density, even the material metal can often be replaced by plastic in the production of prototypes," says Michel Hardegger from 3D-HM. With these parts, installation situations can be checked and adapted based on the findings. Research and development gain time and security with relatively little investment.

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