Based in Zutphen in the Netherlands, Bits2Atoms was founded in early 2014 by Jan Willem and Maaike Boesveld. Jan, with a background in Mechanical Engineering and IT became interested in 3D printing with the surge of the technology in around 2012/2013.
The company, Bits2Atoms, began in a retail space in the historic center of Zutphen, having been located at the Revelhorst business park since early 2018.
The business centres around working with companies, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations, “helping them successfully implement 3D printing solutions as part of their workflow,” giving advice on sales, installation, as well as training, and maintenance of 3D printing solutions.
With the ongoing advances in Metal 3D printing, Bits2Atoms began to use Raise3D’s Forge1 as its solution, and highlights the importance of this material in additive manufacturing.
Despite plastics still being incredibly important, “Metal remains indispensable in the engineering world. With the introduction of metal filament, 3D printing of metal objects became accessible to small and medium-sized companies.”
Bits2Atoms confirm having conducted extensive experimentation with various other FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printers, with a lot of trial and error. Many times, flaws in the model produced only became apparent after debinding and sintering, such as delamination and unexpected deformations. “They may be suitable for hobby purposes, but not as a reliable and repeatable process for businesses. But now, we have the Forge1.”
The Forge1 is Raise3D’s FFF Metal 3D printer, designed to be used in conjunction with other elements of Raise3D’s MetalFuse solution.
According to Bits2Atoms, weight reduction and material savings have become increasingly important in part design and subsequent use, whether in industry or end-consumers. 3D printing already has the great advantage where a part doesn’t need to be 100% solid and have an internal pattern granting it properties of strength and lightness unmatched by traditional methods of production.
In recent years, Generative Design has also gained significant momentum and have benefitted from 3D printing. Generative Design is the creation of complex shapes using programming and mathematical principles, most notably with software such as Grasshopper. Parts designed using Generative Design techniques are either impossible or very difficult to achieve using traditional machining techniques, and thus, Metal 3D printing then becomes the only option.
The Forge1 is designed for optimized use with BASF Ultrafuse® 316L and Ultrafuse® 17-4 PH metal filament, “making it ideal for printing moderately sized parts with complex geometry.” Bits2Atoms affirms. “The optimizations ensure that the printed part is so precise that the likelihood of problems arising after debinding and sintering is minimal.”
In conclusion, Bits2Atoms recommends the use of Raise3D’s Metal 3D printing solutions. “Take advantage of the Raise3D First Metal Print Service, exclusively available to Forge1 customers. Have the design of your 3D model reviewed by experts to achieve the best printing and post-processing results.”
You can find out more about Bits2Atoms from their website.