APES will support KRONOS’s next-gen Aion 5X CAD/CAM software, compatible with Helios and Hyperion systems.
Advanced Printed Electronic Solutions (APES) has entered into a partnership with KRONOS Mechatronics, based in Nürnberg, Germany. As part of the agreement, APES will add KRONOS’ additively manufactured electronics (AME) systems—Helios and Hyperion—to its product lineup. The collaboration expands APES’ offerings to support applications ranging from research and development to production-scale manufacturing.
APES will also support the 3D AME CAD/CAM software platform Aion 5X developed by KRONOS, supporting multiple machine architectures including the Helios and Hyperion systems. APES plans to integrate Aion 5X as a software option for its recently introduced Matrix6D production system. The integration aims to provide a consistent CAD/CAM solution for various AME platforms from KRONOS and APES, supporting product design, simulation, and tool path generation for both prototyping and production needs. This move aligns with APES’s focus on providing tools and systems for R&D and flexible manufacturing.
Versatile 5-axis platforms with broad process support
Helios and Hyperion have been updated and relaunched under KRONOS Mechatronics, who acquired assets of Neotech AMT in 2024. Both systems offer industry leading robust 5-axis motion control and support a wide range of print and post-processing technologies including:
- Piezo and ink jetting
- Aerosol-based deposition
- Dispensing
- Fused filament fabrication (FFF) and wire encapsulating additive manufacturing
- Plasma cleaning, UV curing, and CNC milling
- Surface mount device (SMD) pick-and-place integration
- Laser-based tool calibration unit and substrate camera with advanced vison operations
With modular configurations and extensive materials compatibility – ranging from nanoparticle inks to high-viscosity pastes – the systems support complex, multi-material functional printing for 3D electronics, mechatronics, and additively manufactured electronic systems.
Helios is optimized for compact prototyping environments, while Hyperion features a larger motion envelope and extended capabilities. Both are well-suited for additive prototyping, application development, and low-volume manufacturing of printed electronics.
Software continuity with Aion 5X
KRONOS’ Aion 5X software will play a key role in both companies roadmaps. The platform supports 5-axis simultaneous and 3+2 indexed printing, enables tool-path simulation with collision detection, and generates G-code via a machine-specific ISO standard post-processor. It also includes integrated CAM checks and look-ahead functions for smoother prints.
This same software stack will be used in Matrix6D workflows, providing design continuity across both R&D and production-scale platforms.
The partnership underscores APES’s broader commitment to enabling adaptive, modular additive manufacturing environments. By integrating KRONOS’ systems and software, APES can now support the full product lifecycle, from first prototypes to production of tens of thousands of units per year.
For more information, visit advpes.com.
