Meta Description: Explore the Desktop Metal Fiber™, the accessible 3D printer for creating high-strength composite parts. Ideal for educators and students. Available from Aidex. Learn more!
The manufacturing of strong, lightweight composite parts has traditionally been a complex and resource-intensive process, reserved for specialized industrial settings. The Desktop Metal Fiber™ system fundamentally changes this dynamic. It deconstructs the core principles of composite manufacturing and reimagines them in a compact, automated, and user-friendly platform. Designed for engineers, designers, and educational institutions, the Fiber™ printer utilizes Micro Automated Fiber Placement (µAFP) technology. This allows for the creation of parts with a high strength-to-weight ratio, comparable to traditional metals like aluminum, directly from a digital file. The primary benefit is the newfound accessibility to industrial-grade composite 3D printing, enabling rapid prototyping, functional tooling, and the production of end-use parts in any lab, workshop, or classroom environment. It represents a foundational shift in how we approach material science and production.
The Fiber™ system serves as a powerful educational tool for developing skills in next-generation manufacturing. Students and trainees will gain a deep understanding of material science, specifically the principles of anisotropic composites and continuous fiber reinforcement. They will learn the complete digital workflow, from part design and optimization in CAD to manufacturing preparation using Desktop Metal’s Live Suite™ software. Key applications focus on solving real-world engineering challenges. This includes producing lightweight and durable jigs and fixtures for manufacturing lines, creating functional prototypes for performance testing in industries like automotive and aerospace, and even fabricating custom end-use parts for consumer goods and machine design. The system bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in advanced materials.
The table below outlines the technical specifications for the Fiber™ 3D printing system.
| Specification | Detail |
| Product Dimensions | 55 x 45 x 65 cm (21.7 x 17.7 x 25.6 in) |
| Product Weight | 52 kg (115 lbs) |
| Applicable Education Levels | High School, Technical College, University, Research Centers |
| Technology | Micro Automated Fiber Placement (µAFP) |
| Build Volume | 310 x 240 x 270 mm (12.2 x 9.4 x 10.6 in) |
| Supported Materials | Continuous Carbon Fiber with PA6, Continuous Fiberglass with PA6 |
| Software Suite | Desktop Metal Live Suite™ (including Live Studio™) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Power Requirements | 100-120 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Layer Height | 125 µm |
| Key Feature | Robotic tool changer for automated material switching |
| Chassis | Welded steel frame |
Aidex is proud to supply the Fiber™ to learning institutions across the Midwest. We are committed to equipping educators and students in the region with the industry-leading tools they need to succeed in the future of manufacturing and engineering.
The curriculum focuses on the fundamental principles of composite materials, the application of Micro Automated Fiber Placement (µAFP) technology, and the complete digital workflow from design to production. Students learn about Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM), software-driven manufacturing preparation, and the hands-on operation of advanced automated systems for creating high-performance parts.
The target audience includes post-secondary engineering programs, particularly in mechanical, materials science, and automotive fields. It is also ideal for vocational schools, advanced technical training centers, and university research labs that are focused on developing next-generation materials and manufacturing processes.
The Fiber™ printer’s primary distinction is its use of Micro Automated Fiber Placement (µAFP) technology to print with continuous fiber, such as carbon fiber. This process creates parts with strength and stiffness comparable to machined aluminum, a capability far beyond standard plastic extrusion printers. It brings industrial-strength composite manufacturing into a safe, accessible, and desktop-friendly format.
The system comes with Desktop Metal’s Live Suite™, a comprehensive software package for managing the entire printing process. This includes Live Studio™, which provides a seamless workflow for users to manage part creation from the initial digital model all the way to the final sintered part, simplifying a complex process.
Yes, in addition to continuous carbon fiber, the Fiber™ system can print with continuous fiberglass reinforced thermoplastics. This material flexibility allows users to choose the appropriate level of strength and cost for different applications, from functional prototypes to end-use tooling and components.
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For more information or to contact Aidex, your Authorized Reseller, call 800-251-9935 or email info@aidex.com.
If your wish list isn’t clear, your dreams won’t be either. When you model thoughtful planning for your CTE program, you’re teaching students how to turn their own dreams into reality.