Cubicure is system and solution provider in the field of stereolithographic 3D-printing technologies. After 5 years in business, the certification of its innovative AM process is a huge milestone in the still young but very successful company history. With its patented Hot Lithography printing technology, Cubicure opens the door for a broad spectrum of high-performance polymer materials. The internally developed and commercialized material portfolio already enables Cubicure’s customers to use this advantage for their fully digital manufacturing lines.
In Q4 2020, Cubicure took a strict audit which was executed by TÜV Austria with the goal to test the overall quality performance of its Hot Lithography printing process. During this session, auditors investigated Cubicure’s production of photopolymer products, the processing of such materials in the 3D-printing machines as well as the internal quality standards of the company.
Continuous improvement and standardization in all company areas
Strict internal and external controls not only guarantee the continuance of high standards but also help to constantly improve product quality and company routines.
In a year-long preparation period, Cubicure was able to optimize its internal processes and further improved product quality. In the auditor’s opinion, all relevant requirements in terms of structured proceedings, constant product- and process improvements as well as the overall quality management systems are well established and based upon up-to-date standards. Consequently, the TÜV-Certificate was granted. This commendation will now be re-audited on a yearly basis, thus continuously guaranteeing highest standards in Cubicure’s Hot Lithography portfolio.
Advantages for Hot Lithography Users
To establish AM technologies as manufacturing tool for the industrial production of polymer components, it is necessary to provide reliable and reproducible printing processes. Importantly, this also includes the materials to be used in AM processes as materials and printing systems are closely tied together from a manufacturing quality perspective. Cubicure is aware of this duality and since its founding is strongly focusing on standardizable AM processes. By doing so, todays’ Hot Lithography users can print polymer precision parts in small- and medium batch series.
‚Our goal in certifying our printing processes is driven by our desire to meet highest customer expectations in terms of material and process quality. Furthermore, we see an increasing demand for industrial solutions in purely digital production scenarios. We strongly believe that standardization and certification are key components to meet our goal, to bring Hot Lithography into the digital production centers of the future.’ Dr. Markus Pfaffinger (COO, Cubicure GmbH).
Cubicure was founded in March 2015 as a spin-off of TU Wien by Prof. Dr. Jürgen Stampfl (Institute of Material Science and Technology) and Dr. Robert Gmeiner. The company addresses the additive manufacturing of high-performance polymers for industrial applications. Cubicure’s patented Hot Lithography technology enables the usage of high-molecular chemical substances for high precision 3D-printing processes. The technology’s core is a specially developed and patented heating and coating mechanism which is capable of processing resins and pastes of highest viscosity at operating temperatures up to 120°C. Cubicure develops photopolymers with thermoplast-like properties. Since 2017 Cubicure offers Hot Lithography 3D-printing systems and associated materials.