The American university is making the world’s largest 3D printer ever and can even use wood dust – called Factory of the Future 1.0. It can print objects almost as large as 40 standard containers
The University of Maine has unveiled the world’s largest 3D printer. The new unit, rather grandly dubbed Factory of the Future 1.0 (FoF 1.0), is four times larger than the university’s previous world record-breaking 3D printer, MasterPrint, which it debuted in 2019.
This colossal printer can produce items up to 30 meters long, 10 meters wide and 5.5 meters high, at a speed of 250 kilos per hour.
Factory of the Future 1.0 was unveiled by UMaine to representatives from a number of agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. However, it is not just a gigantic 3D printer, it is also a multifunctional machine that can switch between different processes, such as additive manufacturing and continuous tape lay-up.
Green Technology and Materials Factory of the Future
These advances could revolutionize several industries by providing a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly method of production for areas such as national security, housing, bridge building and marine vessel manufacturing. One of the promising applications for the printer is the use of bio-based raw materials from wood residues, which are abundant in Maine.
βThis new capability not only strengthens UMaine’s Carnegie R1 research status, but also reaffirms our position as a leader in composite materials research and advanced manufacturing. With the participation of various departments, faculty, students and university partners today, this is a testament to UMaine’s commitment to collaborative excellence,” said Joan Ferrini-Mundy, UMaine President. “It not only allows us to develop the leaders of tomorrow nurture, but also stimulate growth and prosperity within Maine’s local industries and on the national stage.β
Factory of the Future 1.0 is a precursor to another groundbreaking project: the Green Engineering and Materials Factory of the Future β a 41,000 square meter research laboratory that will break ground this summer. This new facility aims to improve and scale sustainable manufacturing practices and deliver next-generation solutions that address current global challenges such as labor shortages and stressed supply chains.