University of Maine presents "Factory of the Future 1.0," a groundbreaking 3D printer advancing the future of sustainable manufacturing in various industries.
The FoF 1.0 is four times larger than its predecessor and can print objects up to 96 feet long, 32 feet wide, and 18 feet high, with a production rate of up to 500 pounds per hour.
New Era for 3D Printing: UMaine Introduces Groundbreaking 3D Printer.
The University of Maine has reached a milestone in 3D printing with the unveiling of the "Factory of the Future 1.0" (FoF 1.0). Revealed on April 23 at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC), the new printer represents a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing in various industries.
Four times larger than its predecessor, the FoF 1.0 surpasses its own 2019 Guinness World Record as the largest polymer 3D printer. With the ability to print objects up to 96 feet long, 32 feet wide, and 18 feet high, and produce up to 500 pounds per hour, it offers new opportunities for environmentally friendly and cost-effective manufacturing in areas such as national security, affordable housing, bridge construction, ocean and wind energy technologies, and shipbuilding.
The FoF 1.0 can dynamically switch between various processes such as large-scale additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, continuous tape layup, and robotic operations. This allows for versatile use of the printer for different applications and research areas.
The development and manufacturing of this world-first printer and hybrid manufacturing system were made possible with support from the Office of the Secretary of Defense through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The unveiling of the FoF 1.0 marks a significant advancement for the University of Maine and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center and is made possible through the continuous support of Senator Susan Collins and other state and federal partners.
