In the bustling landscape of additive manufacturing, AON3D stands as a beacon of innovation. Established in 2015 by a cadre of materials engineers, this Montreal-based company has swiftly emerged as a trailblazer in the realms of hardware, software, and material science.
Catering to a diverse clientele spanning over 25 countries, AON3D's solutions cater to a wide spectrum of needs, from nimble startups to industry titans like Fortune 500 conglomerates and government agencies.
Introducing the AON M2+: Elevating Additive Manufacturing
At the heart of AON3D's offerings lies the AON M2+, a pinnacle of industrial 3D printing prowess. Designed to fabricate robust, high-performance parts on a full-scale spectrum, the AON M2+ empowers users with unparalleled access to cutting-edge materials such as PEEK, PEKK, and ULTEM™.
Key Features of the AON M2+:
- Create Large Functional Parts: Harnessing the potential of the world's most advanced thermoplastics, the AON M2+ enables the printing of full-scale designs with precision and reliability.
- Achieve the Best Final Part Properties: With meticulous thermal control and advanced process management, users can attain high crystallinity parts, mitigating part porosity and enhancing overall quality.
- Production-Ready Printing: Streamlining workflows, the AON M2+ ensures consistent and repeatable printing, reducing the need for laborious post-processing.
Unveiling the Thermoplastic Pyramid
A cornerstone of AON3D's expertise lies in its understanding of polymers, showcased through the Thermoplastic Pyramid. Divided into three tiers—Commodity Polymers, Engineering Polymers, and High-Performance Polymers—each segment elucidates the distinctive characteristics and applications of various materials.
- Commodity Polymers: Offering a cost-effective solution, these polymers find their niche in prototyping, visual models, and tooling applications.
- Engineering Polymers: Striking a balance between cost and performance, these materials excel in functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and light-duty end-use applications.
- High-Performance Polymers: Representing the pinnacle of polymer science, these materials boast exceptional strength, heat resistance, and chemical inertness, making them ideal for demanding applications across industries.
Navigating the World of Polymers
Delving deeper into the realm of high-performance polymers, AON3D highlights the capabilities of PEEK, PEKK, PAEK, PEI (ULTEM™), and PPSU. These materials redefine the boundaries of 3D printing, offering unparalleled mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance.
Process Considerations: Ensuring Optimal Results
AON3D emphasizes the importance of meticulous process control to achieve superior print quality. Addressing factors such as shrinkage, residual stress, and inter-layer weld strength, the company provides insights into optimizing printing parameters for each material.
Choosing the Right Tools:
From thermal management to build plate adhesion and extruder design, AON3D offers a comprehensive guide to selecting the right equipment for the job. Dual extrusion capabilities, water-cooled tool heads, and configurable build sheets ensure seamless printing experiences.
Open Materials: Expanding Possibilities
AON3D champions the cause of open materials, democratizing access to a wide array of polymers. By offering market prices and comparative analysis against closed systems, the company fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration within the additive manufacturing community.
In essence, AON3D's dedication to pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing is evident in its comprehensive solutions and commitment to excellence. As the industry continues to evolve, AON3D stands poised at the forefront, driving innovation and empowering creators worldwide.
Materials Price Comparison: Open vs. Closed Systems
In the dynamic world of additive manufacturing, understanding the cost implications of different materials is paramount. AON3D provides a comprehensive comparison between market prices for various materials in open systems versus their counterparts in closed systems.
|
Material |
Market Price ($/kg) |
Comparable Closed System ($/kg) |
|
ABS |
$32 |
$252 |
|
ASA |
$62 |
$252 |
|
Nylon (PA) |
$98 |
$305 |
|
Carbon Fiber Nylon |
$122 |
$397 |
|
PC |
$62 |
$254 |
|
PEEK |
$708 |
n/a |
|
Carbon Fiber PEEK |
$653 |
n/a |
|
ULTEM™ 9085 |
$285 |
$390 |
|
PEKK |
$683 |
$714 |
Key Insights:
- Cost Efficiency of Open Systems: Across the board, materials in open systems are significantly more cost-effective compared to their closed system counterparts. ABS, ASA, Nylon (PA), and PC exhibit substantial price differentials, making open systems a financially prudent choice.
- Competitive Pricing: AON3D's commitment to affordability is evident in its pricing strategy for high-performance materials such as ULTEM™ 9085 and PEKK. Market prices for these materials in open systems remain competitive, offering cost savings without compromising on quality.
- Market Accessibility: By providing transparent pricing data, AON3D empowers users to make informed decisions when selecting materials for their additive manufacturing projects. The availability of market prices fosters a more inclusive and collaborative ecosystem within the industry.
- Future Opportunities: The absence of market prices for PEEK and Carbon Fiber PEEK in closed systems highlights the limitations of proprietary models. AON3D's advocacy for open materials opens doors to innovation and experimentation, paving the way for breakthroughs in additive manufacturing.
In conclusion, AON3D's commitment to open materials not only drives cost savings but also promotes accessibility and innovation within the additive manufacturing community. By bridging the gap between market prices and closed system alternatives, AON3D empowers users to explore new possibilities and unlock the full potential of additive manufacturing technologies.
