BMF Unveils Its Ultra-High Resolution microArch S320

BMF’s microArch S320 is an industrial-grade, high-resolution microscale printer able to quickly and accurately print down to 2μm. (Image courtesy of BMF.)

While some 3D printer manufacturers forge ahead with new ways to print bigger, Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) continues to be a leader on the other end of the spectrum. The company recently unveiled its newest printer, the microArch S320, which is an industrial-grade option that produces high-resolution prints.

“The miniaturization trend continues to dominate nearly every industry, but as parts get smaller, they become harder to design, more expensive to manufacture, and generally more complicated to put into production. Not to mention, technological barriers had previously made additive manufacturing out-of-reach for most use cases requiring small parts,” said John Kawola, BMF CEO. “We changed that notion and brought 3D printing to industries that once deemed it impossible, and this new addition to our portfolio—the most advanced of our highest-resolution printers yet—will open even more doors for new applications on the smallest scale.”

With the latest reports indicating that 3D-printed electronics are set to significantly grow, as well as in other industries for microscale parts, the new printer is a welcome one to companies like HRL Laboratories. According to the company, it has worked with BMF to develop a print process for polymer-derived ceramics, enabling the ability to print dielectric ceramics with temperature stability and durability.

“We’ve been thrilled with the performance of our microArch S130 to support our work in micro-printing ceramics—providing the resolution, accuracy, and precision necessary for our parts,” said Toby Schaedler, HRL Laboratories manager, Architected Materials and Structures Department. “As the first customer of the new microArch S230, the next generation 2µm system, we are excited to utilize the enhancements of the platform to increase our part capacity with the larger build volume and speed up our printing times.”

BMF rebranded and launched its microArch 3D printers in February 2020, and added the S240 to its lineup that October. The latter, which has a large build volume of 100 x 100 x 75 mm / 750cm³, finally made it possible to print larger parts or many small parts with a 10µm resolution and +/- 25µm tolerance of its other printers. The new S230 opens the door to even more opportunities.

Featuring its patented Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL) technology, it has a 50x50x50mm build volume and prints five times faster than previous models. It has active layer leveling, automated laser calibration and can handle materials with viscosities up to 20,000 cP, making it ideal for parts with high tolerances.

BMF’s new MT Magnesium Titanate Ceramic has a combination of high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, making it suitable for millimeter-wave applications such as antennas, waveguides, and other electronic components.

Along with unveiling the printer, BMF also released three new materials: Alumina AL Ceramic, HT 200 and MT Magnesium Titanate Ceramic, which are suitable for use on the printer. The biocompatible and chemical-resistant Alumina Ceramic works for applications with high temperatures that require strength and stiffness, such as tooling, medical devices, casings and housings. MT Magnesium Titanate Ceramic has ideal dielectric properties 100 times lower than plastic alumina, making it suitable for electronic components. HT 200 is a strong, durable, high-temperature resin and can be soldered for use in electrical components.

Interested in other 3D-printing innovations? Check out 3D Printed Wearable Personalized Sensors Developed and Programmable 3D-Printed PhonoGraft Aims to Boost the Body’s Regeneration Process.