(Source: http://avufa.ru)

The scientists from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (“SkolTech”) have created a prototype of the Russia’s first composite printer. This was stated in the press release of the organization received by “Lenta.ru”. “Our know-how is an extruder of our own design and manufacture, as well as special preparation of materials. The positioning device is borrowed, it is a simple 3D-printer that you can purchase both from Russian and foreign manufacturers. Now we have an Italian platform costing 500 euros, at the same time we are working on our own platform. But the platform is not the key point of the technology” – the Director of the “SkolTech” Centre for Advanced Structures Zafer Gyurdal explained the device’s degree of localization.

According to the statement, the printer is capable of printing products from composite material (for example, carbon fiber) surpassing its counterparts from all over the world in its mechanical characteristics.

The strength of the first created samples made up more than 400 MPa, while this indicator in the products of the rival American company MarkForged is twice lower. It is noted that the structural performance of aluminum alloys amounts to 200-300 MPa. It is planned to patent the creation technology.

The produced details can now be used for drones, quadrocopters, robots, as well as for printing prostheses. In the future the creation of structural elements for the aerospace industry may be possible due to the change of binder materials. Within two years it is planned to create designs for the United Rocket and Space Corporation, the project’s partner. Gyurdal found it difficult to estimate the own cost of the 3D-printer, as it is being created within a large state project.

The latter involves plans to create equipment for the manufacture of three-meter structures. Gyurdal estimated the retail value of the current printer for small products, in case it is brought to the stage of sales, at 100-150 thousand roubles, exclusive of brand-name consumables.