Q & A with President and CEO Vyomesh Joshi (VJ) on the New FabPro 1000
Source: 3D Systems
Following 3D Systems’ announcement of FabPro™ 1000, there has been a steady flow of interest around our take on industrial entry-level 3D printing: where FabPro fits into an additive manufacturing workflow, why we are investing in entry-level solutions, and how 3D Systems’ printer measures up to competing systems on the market. Eager to answer your questions, 3D Systems President and CEO VJ shares his view of the opportunities available through entry-level industrial printing with the new FabPro 1000.
The FabPro delivers parts that are on par with production level machines in terms of accuracy, quality and repeatability.
Q: HOW IS FABPRO™ 1000 DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ENTRY-LEVEL 3D PRINTERS ON THE MARKET?
VJ: The FabPro is distinct in several ways, but the most important distinction is the parts it prints. The parts are what matters at the end of the day, right? The combination of our printer and materials ensures part quality, repeatability and durability, so that’s the first key distinction. And of course, very closely related to part quality is part accuracy. The FabPro delivers better, more accurate parts than any other product at its price point and produces parts that are on par with production level machines in terms of accuracy, quality and repeatability.
The second differentiation is speed and productivity. FabPro is up to three times faster than competitively priced systems, which will help to make our customers more efficient and accelerate their time to market. Think about it: if it takes a competing system 9 hours to print apart but it takes our system just 3 hours to print a part with the exact same parameters, full days can be removed from product timelines. That’s a tremendous competitive advantage.
Finally, the FabPro is a complete, plug and play solution that includes rigorously tested, high-quality materials and an intuitive, optimized software experience with 3D Sprint.
BEYOND AFFORDABILITY, WHAT MAKES THIS AN ENTRY-LEVEL 3D PRINTER?
We want to help customers go from a CAD file to design verification or functional prototyping without jumping through hoops or needing extensive training, so we’ve made it very easy to use. Like our other professional quality printers, FabPro comes with 3D Sprint software for file preparation and print management. This gives users access to tools that help them optimize support structures and builds to reduce waste and also provides visibility into material usage. This combination of the fast print speeds I mentioned earlier and optimized printing delivers lower costs to our customers so they can continue to enjoy low operating costs after the initial purchase.
THE 3D SYSTEMS MISSION IS TO HELP MAKE 3D PRODUCTION REAL FOR CUSTOMERS. HOW DOES AN ENTRY-LEVEL INDUSTRIAL PRINTER FIT INTO THIS STRATEGY?
In order to make 3D production real for our customers, we need to make good quality and easy-to-use additive manufacturing solutions more accessible and affordable to help a wider audience adopt and benefit from the technology. In terms of how the FabPro does this, I will answer in two parts. The first half of my answer takes a look at the product itself. If you think about the product category – an industrial entry-level printer – it plays a very important role in making 3D production real. The FabPro 1000 is a solution with entry-level affordability that comes with industrial material capability and a significant speed advantage over other printers in its class. It also comes with 3D Sprint software to streamline the plastic additive manufacturing workflow, making it a complete solution. That means FabPro offers an opportunity for people to get hands-on with 3D technology for meaningful applications such as functional prototyping. Offering a low-barrier, quality experience that combines the right materials, the right hardware and the right software to compress product lifecycles reinforces how 3D Systems’ additive manufacturing solutions can help companies reduce design cycle time and develop complex custom parts not possible with traditional manufacturing processes.
The second half of my answer considers our customers globally, and the different price-performance capabilities and needs that exist worldwide. As a global company, 3D Systems works to serve all markets, including emerging geographies where an entry-level industrial printer like FabPro 1000 offers an optimal price-performance ratio with considerable benefits to the customer.
FabPro casting material enables users to achieve final metal parts with entry-level affordability.
WHO DO YOU ANTICIPATE WILL BE FIRST ADOPTERS OF THIS MACHINE AND WHY?
I think the global designer community will be among the first to really understand and get excited about the capability being offered, but designers are not the only ones in need of an affordable yet professional-quality 3D printing solution. I think you have to consider other professions where the total package of benefits provided by the FabPro 1000 will make a difference. The combination of the materials we offer plus the high throughput and accuracy of the printer speaks to a wide range of users. If you need high durability functional prototypes, FabPro can do it; if you need high contrast material for prototyping intricate details, FabPro can do it. We also offer a casting material that will enable users to achieve final metal parts with entry-level affordability. This alone has the potential to transform verticals such as jewellery. I believe FabPro will complement and advance workflows across industries, and I am excited to see what our customers do with it!
The Mark X Brings First-Ever Combination of Strength, Precision, Quality, and Beauty for Industrial, Automotive, Functional Prototyping, Robotic, and Prosthetic Applications. CAMBRIDGE, MA (PRWEB) OCTOBER 04, 2016 – Published originally on www.prweb.com Markforged is excited to announce the launch of the industry’s most powerful fiber composite 3D printer, the Mark X. In addition to a large print […]
Let’s explore how to market and target customers with your 3D products and 3D Printing services.
3D marketing 101
The challenge with 3D technologies is that they’re “cutting edge.” Only a few firms so far have been true pioneers in using 3D to enhance their brand while communicating the benefits in a concise and value-added way. As a result, many of your customers won’t completely understand the advantages of your new 3D Printing Services, so you’ll need to engage them with examples specific to their needs.
The power of samples
Engage your customers with impressive, diverse samples to show them what’s possible using today’s 3D printers and scanners. There are still many misconceptions out there in the world of 3D, so customers can’t be expected to do all the research themselves. It’s your job to show them what’s possible via samples that cater to their needs and particular industry. Don’t explain why 3D Printing can help them – show them!
For example, if your customer is in tool and die making, 3D print a jig or a fixture. If your client is an automotive designer, show how they can design and build 3D printed car parts from a 3D scan. Show display companies a 3D-printed booth mock-up. If they’re willing to give you an STL or CAD file for test printing, that’s even better!
Make sure the materials you use in your samples are also diverse – wax, rubber, polymers, nylon, carbon fibre, metal, etc. – as well as full-colour options and a variety of plastics and resins. The amount of printable 3D materials is constantly expanding, so the more materials you can show, the more likely one of them will impress.
Who should you go after?
The variety of industries using 3D technology may shock you. For example, ever heard of Invisalign? Invisalign uses 3D printers to produce clear, custom orthodontic braces. I recently learned of a detailed, 3D printed prototype of a new sports stadium done for a fraction of its traditional cost of $500,000 – and in less time. One shoe company wanted prototypes of different designs and used 3D Printing to get samples faster and cheaper. Then there was a tool manufacturer that needed 3D samples to ensure that its products fitted comfortably in the hand and that its switches were easily accessible. Get the picture?
So what companies should you approach? The answer is just about any business! And never forget about consumers who will be amazed at your 3D prints and other products and novelties. I’d also investigate tradeshows (booth design), display companies (indoor/outdoor, POP), ad agencies (2D artists), industrial and commercial prototyping, packaging, marketing firms, premiums and incentives, etc. There are literally thousands of possible applications that today include aerospace, automotive, consumer products, healthcare, governments, industrial/business machines, education, research, arts, architecture, engineering and so on.
How to demonstrate the value of 3D technologies
While 3D printing is new and exciting, its advantages are the tried-and-true benefits that most businesses want – namely better quality, reduced material and labour costs, faster time to market, maximum flexibility in design and mass customization. Even complex 3D components are generally lighter and, depending on technology and material, stronger and more robust. And the best news of all – you can offer unprecedented cost savings to your clients while still marking up your products substantially.
If you’ve purchased a 3D printer, conduct on-site demonstrations – and have an expert on hand to explain how the machine works. Alternatively, get an expert from the company you’re partnering with to perform demonstrations if you haven’t purchased the equipment yet. People feel more at ease purchasing when they understand the process.
What do you need to compete as a 3D print service provider?
Anyone can purchase a consumer-level 3D Plastic Printer and claim to offer “3D Print Services.” For a $2,000 investment you’ll have a box that can jet plastic and produce small, monochrome objects with extremely simple shapes, and not a lot of durability. But if instead you choose to work with an experienced 3D studio, not only will you get access to high-end machines that can print complex geometries, functional parts and full-colour models, you’ll also gain valuable knowledge to properly operate the equipment to achieve best results.
Finally, it seems to me that with an experienced 3D printing studio as a partner, you’re limited only by your imagination. Good luck!
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Objex Unlimited 3D Printing Studio is a full-service 3D solutions provider and 3D product reseller specializing in 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, 3D Design and 3D Services. We’re leading the 3D printing revolution to explore, develop, and commercialize new applications in 3D. Leveraging unparalleled expertise in 3D technologies, we work with you personally to find a product or solution that will save you time, effort, and money. We will bring your ideas and designs to life by creating working parts, beautiful full-colour models, and rapid prototypes. Authorized resellers of 3D Systems, Artec, Markforged and LMI Technologies.
There is no denying the power and ease-of-use of the Artec 3D scanners. In fact, as we mentioned in an earlier post, the similar Artec Eva scanner (designed for slightly larger objects) was actually named the best 3D Scanner under $50,000. So when you have a product that already works great with a human operating it, imagine what happens when a robot learns how to use the scanner, and respond in real time to the feedback it’s getting?
The guys at Artec Group, along with engineers from the Visual Computing Research Center, Tel-Aviv University, the Memorial University of Newfoundland, the University of Konstanz, and Shandong University, asked the same question. They combined the Artec Spider with the PR2, a robot boasting a humanistic look and sense of movement. The PR2 holds the Artec in its ‘hand’ and puts it to use, rapidly scanning the most detailed and ornate objects from every angle. The double system captures 7.5 frames per second and processes 1 million points per second, meaning it gets the job done more expediently than a laser printer, and requires no post-processing.
According to 3DPrint.com: “The researchers found that the Artec Spider worked best with the PR2 in terms of high resolution and extreme accuracy regarding edges and miniature parts. In a completely automated scanning system, the PR2 is able to respond to analysis and data from the Artec Spider, moving it and the object strategically and precisely as instructed to complete comprehensive scanning. At each viewpoint, it takes a snapshot, which is merged with the last picture, until a whole object is completed.”
Because this project is focused on objects that are small, can fit into a hand, and have a high level of detail, the Artec Spider is the perfect tool for the job. The Spider was designed specifically for CAD users and perfect for reverse engineering, product design, quality control and mass production. It requires no calibration, no markers and offers real time scan alignment. It also boasts super high detail of fine objects and excellent texture capture.
“Artec’s Scanning SDK is responsible for the program running the Spider, which is able to make a “confidence map” that eliminates challenges with blind spots, recognizing the areas where more scanning is necessary to collect all the data. With the programming from Artec’s Scanning SDK, the system understands when total scanning is complete. During complete testing of Artec’s Scanning SDK, the Artec Spider, and the PR2 working together, researchers concluded that the algorithms responsible for visibility and boundaries were excellent, as well as algorithms regarding rounded edges and density.”
Different Scans Taken with Artec Spider
Although the Artec Scanners are very user friendly, it is extremely interesting to see how the object is scanned when the user, the PR2 robot, get’s direct feedback. Where a human would have to figure out what angles of the scan they are missing, the robot has a more instantaneous response to what part of the object’s texture and geometry are missing. And it’s great to see more and more ways we can apply the amazing scanning technology behind the Artec series of 3D scanners.
About Objex Unlimited
Objex Unlimited 3D Printing Studio is a 3D solutions provider and 3D product reseller specializing in 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, 3D Design and 3D Services. We strive to be at the forefront of the 3D printing revolution and to explore, develop, and commercialize new applications in 3D. Leveraging unparalleled expertise in 3D technologies, we work with you personally to find a product or solution that will save you time, effort, and money. We will bring your ideas and designs to life by creating working parts, beautiful full-colour models, and rapid prototypes. Objex Unlimited is an authorized reseller of 3D Systems, Artec and LMI Technologies.
- Strengthens 3DS consumer and prosumer product portfolio
- First affordable, desktop, full-color plastic 3D printing capabilities
- Sets new standards at 25-micron resolution and 175 mm/sec speed
- New CubePro C will be on display at International CES 2015
Looks like 3D Systems has a brand new consumer 3D Printer to add to their Cube line up. On January 15, at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), 3D Systems announced that it acquired U.K. based 3D printer maker botObjects and plans to launch the CubePro® C, a new desktop full-color 3D printer powered by botObjects’ technology.
With the announcement of the ProDesk3D printer last year, botObjects pioneered the first 3D desktop printer using PlasticJet Printing (PJP) that offers true full-color 3D printing, significantly expanding the palette of possibilities for what designers, artists and engineers create, from prototypes to products. botObjects also invented a proprietary 5-color CMYKW cartridge system, capable of mixing primary printing colors on the fly to generate vibrant color combinations and gradient transitions.
However, the ProDesk3D underwent delays, and rumours are the company had trouble meeting the huge demand for pre-orders for this amazing printer. 3D Systems’ acquisition will finally let the Printer see the light of day.
The botObjects ProDesk3D will immediately be folded into 3DS’s new CubePro C printer family and deliver a true full-color experience at the affordable price of $4,990, with greater accuracy and speed than any comparable desktop 3D printer on the market today. The new CubePro C is capable of printing down to 25-microns layers at deposition speeds of up to 175 millimeters per second using durable PLA and ABS print materials with PVA support material.
“Joining the winning team at 3DS couldn’t have come at a better time as orders for our revolutionary full-color desktop printer continue to outstrip our resources,” said Martin Warner, co-founder and CEO, botObjects. “Together we can bring this powerful technology to more users faster.”
“We are thrilled to add groundbreaking full-color with ultra thin-layer and high-speed technology from botObjects to our expanding consumer and prosumer 3D printing portfolio,” said Avi Reichental, President and CEO, 3DS. “We are even more excited to team up with botObjects founders, Martin Warner and Mike Duma, and together democratize the availability of this powerful 3D printer and accelerate its adoption globally.”
Under the capable and experienced leadership of Martin Warner, who was named Vice President, General Manager botObjects for 3DS, the company plans to fulfill all of its current backorders for the recently introduced ProDesk3D as it concurrently transitions to the new CubePro C line and substantially expands its desktop reach globally. Until the company expands its manufacturing capacity, the CubePro C will be available in a limited release, with plans to expand distribution later in 2015. The CubePro C line joins 3DS’ desktop portfolio that includes the CubePro and Cube line of 3D printers and Sense 3D scanning products, which are ideal for a variety of professional desktops from engineers to designers and architects, as well as users at home and students at school.
Be sure to check back with us here at Objex Unlimited when we give our full review of the new 3D Systems Cube C Printer.
Here is a video of the original ProDesk3D in action.
About 3D Systems
3D Systems is pioneering 3D printing for everyone. 3DS provides the most advanced and comprehensive 3D design-to-manufacturing solutions including 3D printers, print materials and cloud sourced custom parts. Its powerful digital thread empowers professionals and consumers everywhere to bring their ideas to life in material choices including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. 3DS’ leading healthcare solutions include end-to-end simulation, training and integrated 3D planning and printing for personalized surgery and patient specific medical and dental devices. Its democratized 3D design and inspection products embody the latest perceptual, capture and touch technology. Its products and services replace and complement traditional methods with improved results and reduced time to outcomes. These solutions are used to rapidly design, create, communicate, plan, guide, prototype or produce functional parts, devices and assemblies, empowering customers to manufacture the future.
Leadership Through Innovation and Technology
•3DS invented 3D printing with its Stereolithography (SLA) printer and was the first to commercialize it in 1989.
•3DS invented Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing and was the first to commercialize it in 1992.
•3DS invented the ColorJet Printing (CJP) class of 3D printers and was the first to commercialize 3D powder-based systems in 1994.
•3DS invented MultiJet Printing (MJP) printers and was the first to commercialize it in 1996.
•3DS Medical Modeling pioneered virtual surgical planning (VSP) and its services are world-leading, helping many thousands of patients on an annual basis.
Today its comprehensive range of 3D printers is the industry’s benchmark for production-grade manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, patient specific medical device and a variety of consumer, electronic and fashion accessories.
More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.
About Objex Unlimited
Objex Unlimited 3D Printing Studio is a 3D solutions provider and 3D product reseller specializing in 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, 3D Design and 3D Services. We strive to be at the forefront of the 3D printing revolution and to explore, develop, and commercialize new applications in 3D. Leveraging unparalleled expertise in 3D technologies, we work with you personally to find a product or solution that will save you time, effort, and money. We will bring your ideas and designs to life by creating working parts, beautiful full-colour models, and rapid prototypes. Objex Unlimited is an authorized reseller of 3D Systems, Artec and LMI Technologies.
Blog originally posted on www.artec3d.com/news.
See the iReview review here: www.3d-scanners.ireviews.com/artec-eva-review
Scoring five stars for value, design, experience and price, the Artec Eva bagged Gold in the iReviews 2015 nomination for the best 3D scanner under $50,000.
The Artec Eva is a versatile 3D scanner that is handheld, which means that it is not bound by the restrictions of a tripod or stand mounted system. A wide variety of things can be scanned, including the human body, which broadens the applications significantly. With the ability to accurately and quickly scan people, we suddenly have a way to provide accurate and properly-fitting prosthetics, as well as support devices. We can also insert the scanned data into other images, creating decent quality special effects for movies and other entertainment media. It also opens up a world of possibilities in the research fields, which helps make the world a better place.
The handheld design makes the Artec Eva feel a lot like a video camera when used. An ergonomic handle keeps the process comfortable as well, which is important when scanning large objects that can take more than a few minutes to capture. The Eva captures up to 16 frames per second, automatically aligned by their powerful software package as you go, which makes scanning not only fast but accurate. This is critical in fields where not only speed but accuracy is important, especially when the scans are for forensic investigations, medical research or CGI animation. This can potentially save a life, prove someone’s innocence and even improve the quality of life for millions of people.The Artec Group, based in Luxembourg, is a company dedicated to designing and manufacturing innovative products. The team is composed of people who have worked together for over 10 years and who are experts in the fields of 3D image capturing and face recognition. They also have offices in Palo Alto, CA and in Moscow, Russia. Contact info for each office is provided on their website, as well as a form you can fill out to request a demo of any of their products.The Artec Eva is very easy to use. Simply press the button on the unit and begin scanning an object by moving the scanner around. There is no worry about doing something wrong. There are both audio and visual cues that guide you through the process should you need it. This alone helps reduce the learning curve significantly, making the odds of producing a top-quality scan on your first attempt increase significantly. Whatever you don’t pick up on the first pass you can return to and re-scan missed areas. Once the scan is done, the software goes to work. It aligns the scans, fuses them into a 3D model, and then allows you to smooth and optimize the data to fill in holes, increase definition, etc. If you have purchased texturing capabilities, you can apply texture to the scan as well. Once you are done, you can save the data in any number of compatible 3D file formats for export, which can accommodate a wide range of 3D applications.Overall, we found the Artec Eva to be innovative, affordable for a scanner in its class and very easy to use, producing top quality results without having to be an expert in 3D scanning and telemetry. With all the wonderful features included in this package, we are glad to award the Artec Eva the top spot on our list of iReviews 2015 best 3D scanners under $50,000.
Price: $19,800
Pros:
1. Best overall value of any scanner in its class
2. Supports a wide range of file types
3. Long range scanning up to 1 meter
Cons:
1. Texture capture upgrade is expensive
2. Software not included in the price
Originally published at http://3d-scanners.ireviews.com/artec-eva-review.
About Objex Unlimited
Objex Unlimited 3D Printing Studio is a 3D solutions provider and 3D product reseller specializing in 3D Printing, 3D Scanning, 3D Design and 3D Services. We strive to be at the forefront of the 3D printing revolution and to explore, develop, and commercialize new applications in 3D. Leveraging unparalleled expertise in 3D technologies, we work with you personally to find a product or solution that will save you time, effort, and money. We will bring your ideas and designs to life by creating working parts, beautiful full-colour models, and rapid prototypes. Objex Unlimited is an authorized reseller of 3D Systems, Artec and LMI Technologies.
Originally posted on 3dprint.com by Brian Krassenstein
When it comes to the 3D printing of food, probably the most popular, easiest, and most delectable food to print with is chocolate. We’ve seen numerous companies, both large and small, experiment with the process, and in fact there are several chocolate printers in production as we speak, which are capable of intricate fabrication of unique chocolate objects.
Out of all the companies out there, one instantly pops into most individual’s heads when they think of creamy, rich chocolate, and that is Hershey. With the history, the market reach, and the drive within the company, it was only a matter of time before the Hershey, Pennsylvania-based chocolate producer would integrate 3D printing into its operations in some way, shape, or form. Today is that day!
Teaming up with 3D Systems, Hershey has announced that on December 19th they will debut the 3D Chocolate Candy Printing Exhibit at the Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to watch and interact with scientists at the company as well as 3D printers spewing out the rich creamy candy.c2
“We are now using 3-D technology to bring Hershey goodness to consumers in unanticipated and exciting ways,” said Will Papa, Chief Research and Development Officer, The Hershey Company. “3-D printing gives consumers nearly endless possibilities for personalizing their chocolate, and our exhibit will be their first chance to see 3-D chocolate candy printing in action.”
Hershey will use the feedback and insight gathered from visitors at the attraction to gauge their entrance into the space, with ultimate plans to utilize 3D printing to create an experience, and possibly products, like none other. The visitors will actually be the ones who, perhaps unknowingly, shape the future of commercial chocolate 3D printing.
“We are committed to democratizing 3-D printing, making this game-changing technology accessible and engaging for everyone,” said Chuck Hull, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, 3D Systems. “Our partnership with Hershey, the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and confections, allows us to create unique, exciting and personalized edible experiences, and this is a great way to showcase the power and possibilities of 3-D printing.”
The 3D Chocolate Candy Printing Exhibit will allow visitors to get scanned and then be transformed into a chocolate-looking sculpture on screen. They will also have the opportunity to watch live as one of the most advanced chocolate printers in existence works its magic.
If you happen to be in the area and want to stop in, Friday of this week will be the grand opening of the 3D printing exhibit. The address of Hershey’s Chocolate world is 251 Park Boulevard, Hershey, PA. Let us know if you have the opportunity to stop in. Take some pictures and document your experience in the Hershey 3D Printed Chocolate Exhibit forum thread on 3DPB.com. Check out the promo video below:
Originally Published on 3D Systems’ Website here.
- 3DS earns 43rd spot in Forbes’ 2014 list of top 100 U.S. small companies
- Forbes also named 3DS 13th Most Innovative Growth Company in 2014
Release Date:
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 – 09:00
ROCK HILL, South Carolina, December 03, 2014 – 3D Systems(NYSE:DDD) today announced that it was named one of America’s Best Small Companies in Forbes’ 2014 list of the top 100 public companies in the U.S. with less than $1 billion dollars in sales. 3DS claimed the 43rdspot in the distinguished annual report, which ranks firms based on earnings growth, sales growth, return on equity and stock performance vis-à-vis an industry peer group, over both 1- and 5-year periods.
This is 3DS’ second major distinction from Forbes in 2014. In July, the company ranked 13th in Forbes’ list of the Most Innovative Growth Companies with a market capitalization under $10 billion. This annual index singles out the top 100 companies that have demonstrated continued growth through innovation, and is calculated using a proprietary formula from Credit Suisse HOLT, which determines an “innovation premium” based on investors’ beliefs that a company “will continue to come up with profitable new growth.”
“It is a tremendous tribute to everyone at 3DS to be named as one of America’s Best Small Companies in 2014 by Forbes, after being recognized by the publication for our innovative growth potential earlier this year,” said Avi Reichental, President and CEO, 3DS. “These accolades reflect the unified commitment of our global team, the strong fundamentals of our business, and our ability to deliver long-term value to our customers by offering the most comprehensive portfolio of 3D products and services available today.”
Learn more about 3DS’ commitment to manufacturing the future at www.3dsystems.com.
- Builds on ProX™ 500’s superior part quality, precision and durability
- ProX 500 Plus has expanded range of new materials and offers new faster print speeds and higher resolution
- New materials include glass-filled DuraForm® ProX GF, aluminum-filled DuraForm ProX AF+ and DuraForm ProX EF nylon
3D Systems(NYSE:DDD) today announced it will preview its fastest fab-grade Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) system yet, the ProX 500 Plus, at EuroMold 2014 in Frankfurt, Germany. Building upon last year’s successful ProX 500 release, the ProX 500 Plus continues the company’s efforts to redefine production 3D printing, adding upgraded speeds, higher print resolution and an expanded range of engineered composite materials to the line’s already stellar part quality, precision and durability. Like the ProX 500, the ProX 500 Plus delivers injection molding-grade parts without expensive fixed tooling for highly complex and mass customized production. Parts from ProX-series SLS printers exhibit long-lasting, fab-grade durability and functionality as well as smooth surface finish.
With the elevated production capabilities and repeatable results of the ProX 500 and ProX 500 Plus, service bureaus and large manufacturing operations—in industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, customized medical devices, consumer products and rapid tooling—can rethink entire production and supply chain strategies for advanced product performance and lower total manufacturing costs. In addition to high material recyclability, the ProX 500 Plus allows for greater flexibility, so companies can explore localized manufacturing for step-change ability to exploit evolving marketplace opportunities and gain first-mover advantage.
A key element of the ProX 500 Plus’s industry-leading engineering capabilities is the addition of three exclusive high-performance materials to the DuraForm® ProX line for use in the ProX 500 Plus:
- DuraForm ProX GF is a glass-filled polyamide (Nylon) material formulated for maximum stiffness and elevated temperature resistance. For parts that will undergo thermal stress or those that require high rigidity—like aircraft and automotive parts, complex housings and enclosures—DuraForm ProX GF will be the go-to material.
- DuraForm ProX AF+ material is an aluminum-filled polyamide (Nylon) with a gray appearance, high strength-to-weight ratio, elevated thermal resistance and improved machinability. This material is perfect for manifolds and similar under-hood automotive models in addition to jigs and fixtures—any end-use or working prototypes with a cast aluminum aesthetic for engine and other equipment components requiring high force loading.
- DuraForm ProX EX is a high impact strength nylon material with increased durability and remarkable flexibility. DuraForm ProX EX will be ideal for applications with high-force snap-fit designs, thin-walled parts and other fine-featured models needing nearly indestructible toughness and durability.
“Simply put, the ProX 500 Plus delivers the highest quality end parts with a combination of speed, precision, economy and robust material choices to a level that no one has seen before,” said Buddy Byrum, Vice President, Product and Channel Management, 3DS. “This 3D printer provides the most long-lasting parts for the most challenging operating environments.”
The ProX 500 Plus’ new high-resolution mode prints part features down to as small as .45mm and boasts higher part density, tensile strength and modulus stiffness. In terms of print speed, the ProX 500 Plus offers 30% faster printing in high-speed mode.
For over 20 years, 3DS has set the standard for SLS 3D printing, proving its parts in prototyping, rapid tooling, end-use and functional testing applications in demanding applications around the world. Today its SLS printers set the industry’s benchmark for production-grade manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical devices, fashion, consumer products and more.
3DS is exhibiting the ProX 500 Plus and revealing its new materials portfolio at EuroMold 2014 in Frankfurt, Germany from November 25-28, 2014, at the Messe Frankfurt in booths D69 and F90 in hall 11, along with its latest 3D printers, advanced material options, cloud-sourced custom parts and digital thread of 3D capture, creation, print and inspection tools. Expected availability for the ProX 500 Plus is early 2015, and an upgrade kit will be available for existing ProX 500 customers at time of launch. Watch a video of this new production SLS printer here.
For more details on 3DS’ announcements at EuroMold 2014, please visit 3dsystems.com/resources/press-room/euromold-2014. Also join 3D Systems’ President and CEO, Avi Reichental, for a broadcast of 3DS’ extensive showing at EuroMold starting on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. EST by visiting 3dsystems.com/resources/press-room/euromold-2014 and clicking on the broadcast link.
Learn more about 3DS’ commitment to manufacturing the future at www.3dsystems.com.