Innovative Solutions for Sustainability, Precision, and Creative Freedom.
Since its inception over 10 years ago, WASP’s research in Additive Manufacturing has always strived to find solutions that benefit both people and the planet, developing technologies that not only help improve the fields of architecture, manufacturing, and design but also reduce overall emissions and environmental impact.
This year at Formnext, we’re thrilled to present groundbreaking technological solutions centered on sustainability, precision, and creative freedom. From printing 100% recycled plastic directly from shreds to dynamically controlling pellet coloring and testing advanced geopolymer materials for reduced CO2 emissions, we strive to deliver innovations that enhance performance and promote environmental responsibility.
Among the new products presented: RIGENERA, METAMORFOSI, POWER WASP 45 HDP and WASP EXTRUDER HDP XXL.
RIGENERA: The 3D Print Recycling Station
In 2019, WASP started working on the creation of a circular recycling system for plastic materials, focusing on how to reuse large 3D-printed parts. After years of research, WASP has developed an extrusion system capable of printing directly from recycled in-house shredded plastics compatible with all extruders in the WASP HDP line, leading to the creation of RIGENERA.
RIGENERA is a 3D Print Recycling Station where disposed objects and faulty pieces are collected, shredded, and reprinted into new products, giving new life to waste.
The system consists of a series of tools that, when used together, allow you to manage the entire recycling process from start to finish. These include:
• Bins for Waste and Defective parts
• Chainsaw
• Plastic shredder
• Dehumidifier
• WASP HDP Printer / Extruder on Robotic arm with CEREBRO
Thanks to this process, waste materials can be shredded and transformed into new, functional products.
METAMORFOSI: Controlled Multicolor Pellet Extrusion System
METAMORFOSI is the first pellet extrusion system capable of dynamically controlling and modifying the position, quantity, and hue of color during the printing process. It allows for precise control through an app that manages the dosing of pigments within the melting chamber. Utilizing the colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) enables the generation of a full spectrum of color ranges while the machine is printing. This method allows for real-time adjustments and blending of hues, resulting in dynamic and vibrant outputs.
METAMORFOSI will be compatible with AiBuild, enhancing precision and efficiency in 3D printing thanks to the integration with its advanced slicing software.
POWER WASP 45 HDP: Large Scale High-definition Printing from Plastic Granules
The Power WASP 45 HDP is a large-scale FGF 3D printer designed to print at 45 degrees, enabling the creation of complex geometries and perform retractions. It is ideal for customized technical prints tailored for the nautical sector, offering precision and durability for marine applications.
This innovative 45-degree approach reduces the need for supports, as layers naturally self-support, which minimizes material use and enhances surface quality. Additionally, it distributes cooling stresses more evenly across prints, reducing shrinkage and warping and achieving faster heat dissipation.
WASP EXTRUDER HDP XXL: Large Scale Pellet Extruder for Robotic arm 3D Printing
WASP EXTRUDER HDP XXL represents the cutting edge of FGF extruders for large-scale applications. Featuring High-Definition Pellet (HDP) technology, it enables direct printing from thermoplastic pellets. Designed to be used with robotic arms, it works in perfect conjunction with CEREBRO, the integration system between robotic arms and WASP’s extruders.
The WASP EXTRUDER HDP XXL is compatible with the RIGENERA extrusion system, which allows printing directly from 100% in-house recycled plastic shreds. Unlike traditional extruders, it can process various sizes of plastic by removing metal impurities.
Coral Reef Restauration: Live Printing rrreefs Modules with WASP 40100 Production
Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse and important ecosystems in the world, providing essential habitats for thousands of marine species and coastal protection for many communities. However, these ecosystems are rapidly deteriorating due to threats such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
Using WASP’s LDM technology, rrreefs is revolutionizing coral reef regeneration by offering services and creating connections with local communities and ensuring both positive environmental and social impact.
During the whole duration of the event, WASP will be live-printing rrreefs modules using two WASP 40100 Production.
3D Printing Geopolymers: A Sustainable Alternative for Construction Materials
Geopolymers are innovative materials that offer a sustainable alternative to traditional cement, with a production process that generates up to 80% fewer CO₂ emissions. Used in construction, they ensure high chemical and mechanical performance, withstanding extreme conditions. For years, WASP has been researching the possibility of 3D printing geopolymers with its LDM technology, opening doors to new applications for sustainable architecture through computational design and additive manufacturing.
WASP and Eindhoven University created a Computational Column using geopolymers, replacing clay to reduce energy use and shrinkage. 3D-printed modules form a cladding system for steel columns, supporting plant growth and wildlife.
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