Revolutionizing Product Development: The Superpowers of Nexa3D FIM Solutions

Revolutionizing Product Development: The Superpowers of Nexa3D FIM Solutions

In the dynamic realm of modern manufacturing, speed, innovation, and efficiency reign supreme. Manufacturers are constantly seeking ways to accelerate their product development cycles without compromising on quality or precision. Enter Nexa3D's Freeform Injection Molding (FIM) solutions, a cutting-edge process that marries the prowess of ultrafast 3D printing with the reliability of injection molding. This marriage of technologies promises to reshape the landscape of product development by unlocking superpowers previously thought unattainable.

At the heart of Nexa3D's FIM solutions lies the patented Freeform Injection Molding process, powered by Nexa3D printers and xMOLD resin. This revolutionary approach empowers manufacturers to print injection molding tools with unprecedented speed and precision. What sets FIM apart is its compatibility with an extensive array of off-the-shelf injection molding materials, including reinforced high-performance feedstocks. The ability to work with final-grade production materials drastically truncates the traditionally protracted development timeline, turning weeks of design, iteration, and validation into a matter of hours.

A standout feature of the FIM process is the production of fully soluble tools. This ingenious concept grants designers unparalleled freedom, effectively eliminating the need for the meticulous design and gating considerations characteristic of conventional tooling methods. In practical terms, this means that highly complex parts can be designed and printed quickly. Once the injection molding process is complete, the dissolvable tool is effortlessly removed, unveiling the intricate shape beneath. The implications are profound, as this dissolution process opens doors to design possibilities that were previously impractical or even unfeasible.

The power of FIM lies in its fusion of 3D printing's versatility with the mechanical prowess of conventional injection molding. By employing a dissolvable xMOLD resin, complex tools can be 3D printed, compatible with the very molding feedstocks that constitute the final products. Whether for prototypes or production parts, FIM promises to deliver final-grade plastics at a fraction of the cost and time associated with conventional tooling. It's a paradigm shift that enables designers to accelerate their creative process while delivering on mechanical performance.

A glowing testament to FIM's potential is found in the experience of the Wilson R&D/product development team. This team has immersed itself in the additive manufacturing arena, collaborating with partners to drive continuous improvement and innovation. Glen Mason, Manager of Advanced Innovation/Industrialization at DeMarini (a Wilson Sporting Goods division), emphasizes the goal of failing fast through Nexa3D's 3D printer and Addifab's FIM platform. This approach prioritizes agility, allowing designs to evolve quickly and efficiently, without the pressure of achieving perfection on the first attempt.

Prior to adopting Nexa3D FIM solutions, Wilson's design team relied on traditional subtractive manufacturing techniques for plastic injection mold prototypes. While metal tooling offered strength, it came with design constraints. The need for global manufacturing support and expedited time-to-market added to the challenge. However, FIM has provided a solution that aligns with Wilson's objectives. With the ability to iterate faster and print tools more rapidly than traditional machining methods, the R&D team can afford to experiment, leading to significant reductions in time-to-market.

In conclusion, Nexa3D's FIM solutions represent a transformative leap forward in product development and manufacturing. By harnessing the strengths of ultrafast 3D printing and injection molding, FIM offers unmatched design freedom, rapid iteration, and production-ready parts. The success stories from industry pioneers like Wilson Sporting Goods underscore the tangible benefits of this approach. As Avi Reichental and his team continue to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing, the future holds exciting promise for those looking to innovate, iterate, and accelerate their products to market.

About the author:

Avi Reichental is a 3D printing pioneer and one of the world’s leading authorities on additive manufacturing, industry 4.0, business digitalization and exponential-tech convergence. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of?Nexa3D,?the maker of the world’s fastest 3D printers and of?XponentialWorks, an advisory and venture investment firm that is harvesting the upside of disruption.?

As the former president, CEO and director of?3D Systems?(NYSE:DDD), Reichental led the company for over twelve years, building the largest additive manufacturing market leader. Previously, Avi served as senior operating executive and corporate officer of?Sealed Air?(NYSE:SEE) for twenty-two years.?

Reichental is the former Chairman of?Nano Dimension?(NASDAQ:NNDM), former Vice-Chairman of Techniplas and served on the board of directors of?Harman International?(NYSE:HAR) until its sale to?Samsung.

In 2013, he was listed by Fortune Magazine as a top 50 business leader and in 2014 he was?named by Popular Mechanics?as one of the top 25 Makers Who Are Reinventing the American Dream. His acclaimed?TED talk about the future of 3D printing?has garnered more than 2.7 million views. Reichental shares his knowledge and insights as a frequent contributor to?Fortune,?Forbes, TheNextWeb?and?TechCrunch. He was core faculty member at?Singularity University, a former member of the?XPRIZE?board of directors, and a former trustee of the?Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.