03-24-2021: Stratasys announced the introduction of SAF — a new powder-based polymer technology
It was a premiere of the new H Series product platform
On March 24, 2021, Stratasys announced the launch of a new line of 3D printers based on SAF (Selective Absorption Fusion), an additive manufacturing technology utilizing powdered polymers. The new printers were intended to operate within the new H Series product platform, with the first (and so far the only) model, the H350, unveiled in the second half of 2021. The SAF technology was Stratasys' answer to industrial systems based on SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) and MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) methods.
SAF technology works by selectively applying an energy-absorbing fluid (HAF) to layers of polymer powder in a single pass. The process uses industrial piezoelectric print heads for precise fluid dispensing, followed by an infrared lamp to fuse the selected areas. The Big Wave system ensures even powder distribution and recirculation of excess material, minimizing powder aging and reducing costs. SAF offers high production throughput, consistent part quality regardless of their position on the build platform, and thermal control to prevent warping, making it ideal for mass production.
A key advantage of SAF is the low cost of produced parts, thanks to the ability to reuse up to 80% of the unused powder. The company also claimed that the print heads in the 3D printers offer exceptional performance without the need for regular replacement, and minimal consumables are required for production. The system provides thermal stability, resulting in high repeatability and surface quality, even with complex geometries.
The origins of SAF technology date back to the 2000s and the independent work of the British company Xaar and the Danish company Blueprinter. Xaar developed HSS (High Speed Sintering) technology, which uses print heads to apply infrared-absorbing ink onto polymer powder, which is then fused by an IR lamp. Meanwhile, starting in 2009, Blueprinter worked on SHS (Selective Heat Sintering), a technology in which a thermal print head selectively sintered polyamide powder.
After Blueprinter's closure in 2016, key employees from the company joined Xaar. Stratasys partnered with Xaar in 2018, forming Xaar 3D Ltd. Initially, Stratasys held a 15% stake, which increased to 45% in 2019, and by 2021, it acquired the entirety of Xaar 3D. HSS evolved into SAF technology. Although Stratasys had no direct contact with Blueprinter, the acquisition of Xaar 3D indirectly brought the knowledge and expertise of former Blueprinter employees into its portfolio.
Source: www.businesswire.com
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