The BMF microArch S240: Elevating Micro Part Manufacturing at micro3D

[London, June 2022]

micro3D’s Latest Milestone in 3D Printing Services

micro3D has welcomed its newest acquisition from Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF): the microArch S240. This advanced system is already transforming Micro3D approach to micro 3D printing, meeting the growing demand for miniature, highly accurate components. But why is the S240 so important for plastic manufacturing, and how does it fit within micro3D’s expansive suite of 3D printing capabilities?

The Rise of Additive Manufacturing and Micro 3D Printing

Additive manufacturing (AM) has come a long way since the 1990s, evolving from a curiosity to a widespread technology that has reshaped product development across industries. While consumer-level 3D printers are now commonplace, professional-grade machines have become even more powerful—pushing boundaries in:

Electronics: Printed circuit boards and micro mechanisms
Medical & Pharmaceutical: Specialized instruments, microfluidic devices, and lab-on-a-chip systems
Aerospace & Defense: Lightweight parts and intricate assemblies
Industrial Equipment: Faster iterations, smaller components, and more robust end-use products

According to recent market data, 3D printing surpassed $10 billion in global revenue in 2021, with projections showing a climb beyond $50 billion by 2030. Increasingly, micro 3D printing is at the forefront of this growth, enabling the fabrication of parts with feature sizes under 25 microns.

The BMF microArch S240: A Game-Changer in Micro Manufacturing

The BMF microArch S240 is the fifth generation system from Boston Micro Fabrication, designed specifically for short-run micro additive production. It excels at producing extremely small, precise components with layer thicknesses and feature accuracies down to 10 µm—unlocking possibilities not feasible via conventional methods.

Key Advantages of the S240

Exceptional Accuracy: Achieve 10 µm dimensional tolerances for microfluidic channels and tiny electronic components.
Rapid Turnaround: Significantly shorter lead times compared to injection molding or complex machining.
Lower Costs: Reduced tooling expenses and minimal waste, ideal for prototyping and short production runs.
Material Versatility: Supports a range of industrial-grade composites and even ceramic materials, expanding its utility to niche markets.

With the S240, micro3D can now produce micro-scale parts faster, smaller, and more accurately than ever before—positioning the machine as micro3D flagship solution for highly accurate miniature components.

Beyond the S240: micro3D Comprehensive Additive Manufacturing Suite

While micro 3D printing is the latest advancement, micro3D offers a broad range of additional additive manufacturing methods to cater to diverse project requirements.

Batch Production with HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

Technology: Thermal inkjet fusing of powder-based materials, layer by layer
Key Strengths: Faster builds, consistent part properties, minimal post-processing
Typical Material: PA12 Nylon, known for tensile strength and wear resistance
Applications: Functional prototyping, end-use parts, and low-volume production

Specialized FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling)

Process: Extrudes thermoplastic filaments in successive layers
Distinct Advantage: Broad material selection, from chemical-resistant to flame-retardant options
Key Benefits: Strong, durable parts that excel in high-performance applications

Multi-Material Polyjet—An micro3D Staple Since 2003

Overview: Jets heated photopolymer droplets, curing each layer with UV light
Accuracy: Layer thickness as fine as 16 µm, producing smooth surfaces and intricate details
Defining Feature: Can combine multiple materials in a single part, varying flexibility, color, and clarity
Longstanding Expertise: micro3D has leveraged Polyjet technology since 2003, delivering complex prototypes and specialized components for industries like medical and automotive

High-Resolution SLA (Stereolithography)

Technology: Uses UV lasers to cure photosensitive resins layer by layer
Advancement: The Stratasys Neo450s, installed at micro3D, offers record precision and rapid build times
Advantages: Exceptional detail, smooth surfaces, and potential for larger part sizes

Why the BMF microArch S240 Addition Is So Significant

According to Bill Bloomfield, Operations Director at micro3D, “Our customers were asking us to make things quicker, smaller, more accurately, and BMF fitted that perfectly.” Indeed, the S240 addresses increasing demands for complex miniaturized parts, whether for micro-electronics, microfluidics, or specialized medical devices.

Speed: Rapid prototyping and production of micro-scale components in hours
Accuracy: Tolerances suitable for delicate internal channels and miniature features
Material Range: Capable of handling specialized composites and even ceramic materials, broadening use cases in industrial and medical fields

This state-of-the-art addition expands Micro3D ability to provide end-to-end 3D printing and fabrication services, ensuring no project is too small, too detailed, or too complex.

Partner with micro3D for Cutting-Edge Micro 3D Printing

With the microArch S240, micro3D leads the evolution of plastic printing services—offering unparalleled accuracy, speed, and material flexibility. Backed by decades of experience, including nearly two decades of Polyjet expertise, micro3D stands ready to tackle your most demanding additive manufacturing challenges.

Ready to get started? Contact micro3D today and discover how our BMF microArch S240 and other advanced 3D printing technologies can bring your smallest, most intricate product ideas to life.