AIMPLAS Chooses TUMAKER Innovation

Research. Development. Innovation. These three pillars, now internationally unified under the concept of R&D&I, have become one of the biggest driving forces in today’s market.

TUMAKER was born in a context where technological supply and demand were not at the same level. Organisations linked to all kinds of sectors were seeing that traditional processes were no longer producing the same results. International economic and social developments led companies involved in R&D&I to get to work on finding solutions to these new needs.

Among the companies committed to research, development and innovation, we find the two main protagonists of this article: TUMAKER and AIMPLAS.

AIMPLAS’ International Influence

AIMPLAS is a Technology Centre with more than 30 years of experience in the development of innovative solutions in the field of plastic materials. Its commitment to improving people’s quality of life and its dedication to environmental sustainability have positioned it as a leading organisation worldwide.

Two of AIMPLAS’ most important areas are:

• Research and development: AIMPLAS carries out advanced research in the field of plastic materials, seeking solutions and continuous improvements in terms of properties, production processes, sustainability, recycling, etc.

• Sustainability and circular economy: The Technology Centre is constantly carrying out research to develop biodegradable, recyclable and more environmentally friendly materials, as well as plastic recycling and reuse techniques to reduce their environmental impact.

These two key areas clearly connect with TUMAKER’s interests and ambitions. 3D printers and, above all, the pellet technology developed by TUMAKER have become a key tool for AIMPLAS.

What Are the Advantages of the Pellet Technology Developed by TUMAKER?

Pellet 3D printing developed by TUMAKER provides advantages that cannot be achieved with any other production method. Focusing solely on the benefits applied to the research sector, we find:

• Material versatility: Having flexibility in the choice of materials means eliminating dependence on filament. This makes it possible to use any advanced material in granule form without exposing it to external filament production processes. It also enables complete adaptation to the desired requirements in terms of strength, flexibility, transparency, conductivity, etc.

• Higher printing speed: By using pellets, the 3D printing process can be faster compared with other methods that require filament feeding.

• Freedom of design and print size: Pellets can be melted and moulded into different shapes and sizes, making it easier to create objects with complex and customised geometries.

• Recycling and sustainability: Pellet 3D printing allows recycled materials to be used, contributing to sustainability and promoting the circular economy. 3D printing waste, such as defective or unwanted parts, can be shredded and reused as pellets to print new parts, thereby reducing material waste.

These advantages of pellet additive manufacturing have not gone unnoticed by AIMPLAS. The Technology Centre has incorporated this solution into a large number of R&D&I projects. This further consolidates the collaboration between TUMAKER and AIMPLAS.

AIMPLAS Projects Using TUMAKER Technology

Having explained the points of interaction between AIMPLAS and TUMAKER, as well as the advantages that the Plastics Technology Institute finds in our solutions, we will now highlight some of the projects in which both organisations are involved.

REALISTIC

The REALISTIC project focuses on the processing and creation, through advanced 3D printing, of realistic anatomical models for surgical study and planning using new materials. These models allow medical professionals to plan and practise surgical procedures more accurately and safely.

TUMAKER has a significant presence in this project, as it provides pellet technology to simulate human tissues.

AIMPLAS, meanwhile, participates in REALISTIC as a polymer developer and specialist in the processing of plastic materials.

Deglumed

Deglumed is a project led by AIMPLAS that aims to provide solutions for people who experience swallowing difficulties when taking medication. To achieve this, the R&D&I initiative focuses on developing medicines/nutraceuticals that are easy to swallow and/or can be taken in a single step using compounding technology and 3D printing.

Softronic

The Softronic project focuses primarily on integrating different emerging technologies from the plastics sector to develop smart polymer devices for the industrial robotics and healthcare sectors.

AIMPLAS leads this initiative, which uses TUMAKER technology for additive manufacturing and the 3D printing of thermoplastics. The project also involves organisations such as INDART3D, Robotnik and Sinfiny, as well as leading companies in the healthcare sector such as Tequir and COV Ortopedia.

Nutrafarm

The final project we will highlight is Nutrafarm. Also developed by AIMPLAS, its objective is the research, modification and production of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compounds using Hot Melt Extrusion technology and 3D printing. These solutions allow us to produce customised medicines with different active ingredients.

The range of pellet 3D printers developed by TUMAKER is a key solution in achieving the established objective.

Additive Manufacturing in R&D&I

3D printing has become an essential solution in the R&D&I sector. Processing advanced materials in pellet form opens up a range of possibilities never experienced before. The ease of customisation, variety of materials and performance improvements it provides make this technology a key element in the science of both the present and the future.

Incorporating these technologies into ambitious projects such as those mentioned above has become increasingly common today. Evidence of this can be seen in the commitment of AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Institute, to incorporating the latest technologies into its most innovative initiatives.

Research, development and innovation continue to grow hand in hand. Contact us through www.tumaker.com if you would like to learn more about 3D printing.