On December 6, 2024, IRPD, a member of the UNITED GRINDING Group, officially handed over the IMPACT 4530, Switzerland’s first industrial-grade additive machine tool, to the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne (SIPBB).
The event brought together representatives from IRPD, SIPBB, and the UNITED GRINDING Group, who emphasized the machine’s significance for Swiss industry and innovation.
Felix Kunz, Chairman of SIPBB, highlighted the park’s mission to strengthen the Swiss economy by fostering research and collaboration between industry and academia. The acquisition of the IMPACT 4530 underscores SIPBB’s commitment to additive manufacturing, a key area in its efforts to drive technological advancements.
The IMPACT 4530 operates using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) technology, offering high precision, automation, and efficiency. It features a thermostabilized machine core, a vacuum-capable process chamber, and synchronized 1000 W fiber lasers, enabling the production of intricate metal components with exceptional quality. With its digitalized process chain and high system autonomy, the machine presents a competitive alternative to conventional manufacturing, particularly in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and medical technology.
Christoph Plüss, CTO of UNITED GRINDING Group, explained that market analyses revealed a gap for a Swiss-made additive machine tool, motivating the Group to pursue its development. After six years of innovation, IRPD is proud to deliver a machine that reinforces Switzerland’s reputation as a hub for high-tech manufacturing, ensuring quality, productivity, and global competitiveness in the future.