That developments in the field of 3D printers are going fast and the printers can do more and more, we know. But the new 3D printer developed by Belgian-Limburg-based IMA for Genk-based start-up Colossus really captures the imagination. From all kinds of pellets made from plastic and other waste, the machine prints new objects that can be up to 3 metres in size. The intention is to build a factory with these printers in Limburg.
Genk-based start-up Colossus is in full-scale testing with a giant 3D printer just delivered by Houthalen-Helchteren-based machine manufacturer IMA. The device is unique because it can print the most diverse objects 50 times faster than others. Applications can be up to 3 by 1.5 metres in size and can consist of dozens of types of recycled material. A chair made from old PET bottles? A giant vase made of carbon or a life-size statue made of bronze? This machine can do it all
"We set off with the idea of recycling the plastic drinking cups from Pukkelpop and turning them into sturdy furniture," Philippe Merillet, a Swiss-born founder of Colossus, currently based at Thor Park Genk, tells us. "None of the existing suppliers in 3D technology had a good solution in house: either it was too expensive, or it took too long, or our product was too big. And so we started developing a new technology ourselves to quickly extrude large quantities of waste pellets to make large 3D objects.
Container
Colossus went to IMA in Houthalen-Helchteren to build the machine. "They laid down their plans and all the required functionalities here 5 months ago," says IMA's Joris Ceyssens. "We then set to work with our team to develop both the printer's hardware and software. This involved other Limburg companies such as Vansichen Linear Technology and Budé, which supplied the container because it had to be a mobile installation." At its current size, this 3D printer is among the top three largest in the world. "A next, industrial version will undoubtedly be the largest," Philippe Merillet said.
Summer festivals
The aim of the first one is to show its infinite possibilities to the general public. One side of the container consists of glass, so that anyone, at any location, can see the machine in operation. "We want to travel the world with this," said Colossus' CEO. "You have to see it to believe it. For example, we will place the installation at a number of summer festivals, such as Pukkelpop and Tomorrowland, where visitors can see how their old drinking cups turn into functional objects. It could convince companies and government administrations, for example, to have street furniture made from their own waste. Good for the environment and for employment in their own region."
Limburg factory
Specifically, Colossus will now use the first machine to test dozens of granules as raw material . This way, every potential customer will immediately know whether his waste can serve for the desired applications. "We test everything: plastic mixed with carbon, fibreglass, wood, bronze, iron or rubber,... you name it. This in all colours and shapes. The possibilities are endless, which is why there is already a lot of interest from home and abroad. We will both sell the technology and our installations, and set up our own production facility. There, companies, designers, artists and private individuals can have their unique objects printed by us. As a start-up, we are still looking for investors to expand our capacity and preferably build our factory somewhere in Limburg," Philippe Merillet concludes.
Source: Madeinlimburg.be
