3D-printing startup Azul 3D has formed an exclusive development collaboration with DuPont Electronics & Imaging to bring next-generation 3D printing technologies to the forefront of the electronic materials industry.

Azul’s high-area rapid printing (HARP) technology uses a proprietary version of stereolithographic printing, a type of 3D printing that converts liquid plastic into solid objects using ultraviolet light. HARP prints vertically at speeds up to 18 inches per hour, and over vastly larger print areas than current commercial 3D printers.

"This collaboration with DuPont is very important to us. In addition to validating the industry-enabling capabilities of HARP, it showcases our ability to use it to transform aspects of the manufacturing sector," said Chad Mirkin, Azul 3D cofounder and chair.

"Combining DuPont’s expertise with Azul 3D’s capabilities in 3D printing will be a powerful pathway for exploring new technology innovations," said Nick Pugliano, business development director, DuPont Electronics & Imaging. "We’re looking forward to collaborating to meet emerging industry needs."

HARP technology can produce vast quantities of large and complex parts with a variety of different materials. By utilizing the innate advantages of 3D printing with Azul’s breakthrough technology, products can be more rapidly fine-tuned and quickly transitioned to manufacture on-demand.

HARP, being developed for years, was first publicly disclosed in the journal Science late last year.

"We’re excited to get to work with DuPont’s visionary team and to move the field forward," Walker added. "This is a great example of how HARP isn’t just competing with other technologies in niche applications— we’re fundamentally expanding the adoption of additive manufacturing into exciting and previously inaccessible applications."

PCB West Virtual 2020 has more than 125 hours’ worth of technical sessions on printed circuit design and manufacturing available through Oct. 12.  pcbwest.com