NematX Develops NEX 01 High-Precision Material Extrusion Platform

With the introduction of this 3D printing platform NEX 01, NematX is taking the next logical step. The Zurich-based company first introduced liquid crystal polymers (LCP) for 3D printing in 2020, which led it to being named a 2020 Formnext Start-Up Challenge Winner. By controlling the molecular alignment during the extrusion process, NematX enables parts with superior mechanical, thermal as well as chemical and biological properties. In addition, the company says LCP can be processed with significantly higher precision and speed compared to conventional materials. 

“LCP has highly attractive properties for 3D printing, but the market was lacking a product to optimally process our proprietary materials and to unlock their full potential,” says Silvan Gantenbein, NematX CTO and co-founder. 

Silvan Gantenbein, CTO & co-founder

For this reason, he and his team started to develop their own material extrusion platform NEX 01 — a comprehensive production solution with hardware and software to optimally match the materials to be processed.

“With our decision to offer tailored hardware and software solutions for our materials, we did not take the path of least resistance,” adds Raphael Heeb, CEO and co-founder. “But, thanks to our holistic approach, we have the chance to set new standards in polymer 3D printing by combining part performance with high manufacturing precision.” 

Raphael Heeb, CEO & co-founder

The NEX 01 platform is designed to satisfy the requirements and needs of industrial companies in demanding markets. NematX says it uses machine components and motion control systems that meet the highest industry standards. With their in-house developed 3D slicing software and LCP filaments, NematX enables serial production of complex technical products with industrial quality. 

Key features of the 3D printing platform NEX 01 include a high-accuracy motion control system, micron-resolution slicing algorithms and precise control of extrusion volume. It also has fully integrated process monitoring and a quick build plate exchange system. It is designed to offer maximum production throughput, and utilizes fully recyclable and reprocessable materials.