User report Kit 3D – Additive manufacturing
In the tranquil town of Bodersweier in the Black Forest district, Arthur Kopp has written a success story in the field of additive manufacturing with Kit3D. Founded in March 2023, the company has quickly established itself as an AM service provider and offers components for a wide range of industries. K3ID relies on innovative technology and tools – including the 4D_Additive data preparation software from CT CoreTechnologie.
By Georg Schöpf, x-technik
Arthur Kopp, the founder and Managing Director of Kit3D, pursues a simple but consistent strategy. ‘We see the added value of design as a core element of additive manufacturing,’ says Kopp. ‘Together with our customers, we not only develop production-ready components, but also optimise them for later use in practice.’ An example from our own customer base: the component, which was originally manufactured using injection moulding, was redesigned for 3D printing and significantly optimised in terms of weight. ‘This not only enabled us to manufacture the component more economically, but also to improve it considerably,’ explains Kopp.
Another success factor is the partnership-based cooperation with customers. ‘We attach great importance to quality, adherence to deadlines and open communication,’ continues Kopp. The powerful 4D_Additive data preparation software from CT CoreTechnologie helps with this. ‘The software allows us to prepare components efficiently and without errors,’ explains Kopp. ‘The automatic repair of STL data in particular is a huge relief.’
Machinery at Kit3D
The PBF division currently uses four series, the HP Jet Fusion models. What makes them special is that the printers are equipped with fully automatic solutions, monitoring systems and a centralised hoover. The machines are not only designed for fast and flexible production, but also offer an excellent cost-benefit ratio. “We produce both prototypes and small batches. Our machines are optimally designed for this,” says Kopp.
In the MJF area, the company uses an HP Jet Fusion 5200 and an HP Jet Fusion 540, while a desktop printer from the Formlabs series and an SLS tabletop device are also available for special applications. The maximum installation space at K3ID is currently 380 x 284 x 380 mm. Production takes place in an air-conditioned room to ensure optimum conditions for additive manufacturing.
Processed materials
Various plastics are processed at Kit3D. In the MJF area, these are primarily PA12 and glass-filled PA12. Both materials are known for their high strength and precision. These materials are particularly suitable for prototypes, functional parts and series parts. TPU (flexible material) and special PA6 compounds are also used. For special applications, aluminium is also processed on request by an external partner company. ‘We want to constantly expand our portfolio in order to be able to offer our customers the best solution,’ emphasises Kopp.
The challenge of data preparation
“One of the biggest challenges is the error-free preparation of STL data. This is where the 4D_Additive software from CoreTechnologie offers enormous advantages,” explains Kopp. ‘Thanks to the integrated repair function, we can correct geometries quickly and reliably.’
The optimisation of component alignment and the automatic generation of support structures are also particularly important. ‘Thanks to the software, we can implement the entire data preparation process quickly and efficiently while ensuring the quality of the components,’ concludes Kopp.
“Our aim is not only to fulfil customer requirements by using state-of-the-art technologies, but to exceed them. Efficiency and quality are our most important guidelines.”
Arthur Kopp, Managing Director of Kit3D GmbH
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