One of Britain's most advanced manufacturing firms can now offer capabilities that are unique to Europe following the installation of new equipment.
IPFL, based in Waltham Abbey in Essex, has added the BMF S230 3D Microprinting system to its technology suite. Developed by Boston Micro Fabrication, the S230 has a resolution of 2 microns (μm) - about the same size as a typical bacterium.
This brings unparalleled levels of precision and accuracy to the micromanufacturing industry, and IPFL's S230 is the only example of its type in Europe. This emphasises IPFL's continued presence at the cutting edge of the latest developments in bespoke plastic and additive manufacturing and production.
With this new equipment, IPFL can achieve resolutions and tolerances that far exceed current norms and industry standards. It is especially suited to applications that require micro-scale components with complex geometries. This includes the growing field of microfluidics which allow the creation of intricate body-on-chip devices for advanced biomedical research and micro-connectors for electronics and micro-electromechanical systems that other processes cannot produce effectively or consistently.
This new system complements IPFL's existing array of advanced manufacturing technology and builds on the BMF 10μm that IPFL is already operating. The microprinting systems sit alongside other additive manufacturing systems, CNC machining and more traditional fabrication methods. This makes IPFL a one-stop shop for all sorts of manufacturing, from rapid iteration and prototyping to series production.
"With the BMF S230, we're not just keeping pace with technological evolution; we're driving it," said Adam Bloomfield, Additive Manager at IPFL. "This investment underscores our dedication to providing our clients with the most advanced and precise manufacturing solutions available today."