The dynamic contract manufacturer BANTLE 3D, based in Fluorn-Winzeln, Germany, is known for high-end metal and plastic machining using 5-axis milling and 6-axis turning. Over the past two years, the company has expanded into the specialized niche of ultra-precise 3D printing, delivering micro-scale components for industries such as electronics, medical technology, and cosmetics. In May, BANTLE 3D will take its capabilities even further with the installation of the microArch S230 from Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF)—the only printer of its kind on the European mainland capable of achieving 2-micron resolution.
In his workshop, company founder Andy Bantle opens the microArch S240 printer and carefully places a 10×10 cm build plate into a resin tank. He smooths the surface with a membrane and a squeegee to eliminate air bubbles, then fills the tank with yellow HTL—a high-performance material known for its exceptional strength, rigidity, and heat resistance up to 114°C. With a glance at the monitor showing 150 sliced layers, the process begins silently. Over the next few hours, a UV laser will cure each layer of the component geometry, one micro-step at a time.
A Passion for Innovation
Bantle first discovered BMF’s projection micro stereolithography (PμSL) technology at the Formnext trade fair in 2022. PμSL, developed by Boston Micro Fabrication, is a variant of digital light processing (DLP) that delivers uniform, ultra-high resolution across the entire build area. The printers’ optics focus projector pixels to 25µm, 10µm, or even 2µm, depending on the model. Unlike standard stereolithography (SLA), which typically maxes out around 50 µm resolution, BMF’s printers set a new benchmark.
“I was fascinated right away,” says Bantle. When he acquired the company in 2020, it had just two employees. His vision was clear: to make 3D technology accessible throughout the manufacturing process—from design and CAM programming to tooling, 5-axis machining, automation, assembly, and quality control. Today, BANTLE 3D has grown to a team of ten and operates seven advanced machining centers,
A Turning Point at Formnext
It was at Formnext where BMF Sales Manager Steffen Hägele introduced Bantle to the company’s high-precision printer lineup. “He immediately recognized a market gap,” recalls Hägele. “With BMF, prototype parts that usually take three months using high-precision injection molding can be printed in just three days.”
The demand was obvious—especially from regional players in electronics, medical and lab tech, and cosmetics. So Bantle made a six-figure investment in the microArch S240, a desktop printer with 10 µm resolution. Just weeks later, the system was up and running.
Scaling Expertise and Capability
Bantle and a colleague completed hands-on training with BMF and began experimenting with the process. “It takes a lot of skill to prepare and optimize the 3D model for printing,” Bantle explains. But he dove in with enthusiasm. Over six months, they refined settings for various materials. “BMF’s support was outstanding.”
Today, they regularly print with HTL resins in multiple colors, high-temperature materials, biocompatible resins for medical applications, and TOUGH—a durable resin suitable for end-use products.
Demand Grows—and So Does BANTLE 3D
Word spread quickly: BANTLE 3D became the only supplier in southern Germany offering 10 µm resolution printing. A new breakthrough came with the introduction of BMF’s soluble resin, SR, used as a sacrificial mold material. It dissolves in a sodium hydroxide and water solution and enables the rapid production of molds—for example, mascara brush heads in the cosmetics sector. These molds now arrive in two weeks instead of six months, eliminating the need for costly injection molds.
With orders growing, BANTLE added a second microArch S240 in November—this one with automatic calibration to boost productivity. “Last year, we printed about 2,500 components,” says Bantle. Thanks to the second printer, they can now deliver jobs requiring 1,600 parts in just five days.
Pushing Boundaries with 2 µm Precision
Next up: ceramic micro parts. Bantle is preparing to produce non-conductive, heat-resistant ceramics for the electrical sector. The process includes debinding and sintering—equipment for which is already on standby. Space, however, is tight, and a new 2,000-square-meter facility is in the works. Until then, the 3D printing operation will temporarily move to a container outside the main building.
In May, the microArch S230 will arrive—the most advanced model in BMF’s lineup, offering an astonishing 2 µm resolution in a 50 x 50 x 50 mm build volume. It will be the first of its kind on the European mainland, positioning BANTLE 3D to serve not only local companies but also research institutions and universities. Customers will benefit from faster access to sample parts without the need for overseas shipping.
“BMF’s printers are reliable, sophisticated, and backed by excellent support,” says Bantle. “That’s why we’re ready to take the next step—to even higher resolution, greater precision, and new possibilities.”
