Revolutionizing 3D Printing with Advanced Printhead Technology

Endless Industries, a German firm founded inside the Technical University of Berlin, is bringing to market a printhead and nozzle technology designed to deposit fibre-reinforced 3D printed parts. The technology allows for the upgrade of plastic FDM 3D printing, resulting in parts that are as strong as aluminium, as light as plastic, and 80% cheaper than milled aluminium. The main applications for this technology are prototyping, jigs and fixtures, production plant equipment, and robot grippers. Endless Industries has patented printheads that cut continuous fibre materials, such as carbon fibre, glass fibre, and natural fibres, with different polymers. The printhead operates at a printing temperature of 250 degrees and currently supports PETG, PA 12, PA 11, and PP filaments. The company is also working on developing a next-generation printhead that can print at higher temperatures, allowing for the use of materials like PEEK. The cutting mechanism of the printhead is located in the hot zone, enabling the printing of thicker carbon fibre rovings and increasing the volume output compared to standard FDM technology. Endless Industries has also developed fibre placing software that is compatible with various slicers, providing both a one-click solution for users who want a stiff part and a manual control option for those familiar with working with fibre composites. The company is currently focused on materials development, with a particular interest in PETG plus carbon fibre and polyamide six plus carbon fibre. The technology offered by Endless Industries aims to complement existing solutions in the market, providing affordable industrial-size 3D printers for the production of large parts. By using thicker fibres, the company also aims to offer cost advantages to customers. The goal is to expand the possibilities of carbon fibre 3D printing and overcome limitations in material selection, pricing, and machine options.