3D Systems Unveils New Production-Level 3D Printers

At the recent EuroMold 2014 exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, 3D Systems Inc. (3DS) showcased a trio of what it described as its next-generation production-level 3D printers and a new version of a widely deployed professional-level 3D printer. Additionally, the company unveiled a new scanner-based 3D design and inspection solution as well as new material options that provide users with extended capabilities for their design-to-manufacturing activities.

The new 3D production-level systems announced are the ProX 800, the ProX 500 Plus and the ProX 400. The ProX 800 is available immediately. The ProX 500 Plus will be available in early 2015, while the ProX 400 release date is yet to be announced.

The ProX 800 uses stereolithography (SLA) technology and provides easy-to-use operator controls to allow users to produce fab-grade plastic prototypes, end-use parts, casting patterns, rapid tooling and fixtures, according to the company. 3DS adds that the ProX 800’s new laser print head and print material management techniques lowers its total cost of ownership and that the system’s new architecture reduces overall machine dimensions and requires up to 50% less floor space than its predecessors. The ProX 800 offers three build volumes, ranging from 25.6 x 29.5 x 1.97 in. (650 x 750 x 50 mm) to 25.6 x 29.5 x 21.65 in. (650 x 750 x 550 mm). Accuracy ranges from 0.001 to 0.002 in. (0.025 to 0.05 mm) per inch of part dimension.

The ProX 800 SLA technology-based 3D printer enables users to produce plastic prototypes, end-use parts, casting patterns, rapid tooling and fixtures. Image courtesy of 3D Systems Inc.

The ProX 500 Plus selective laser sintering (SLS) system extends the company’s ProX 500 3D printer with three new material capabilities that can be used to produce end-user 3D printed parts with smooth surface finishes. Its print envelope is 15 x 13 x 18 in. (381 x 330 x 457 mm), and its layer thickness ranges from 0.003 to 0.006 in. (0.08 to 0.15 mm).

The ProX 500 Plus SLS 3D printer can produce end-user 3D printed parts with a variety of new high-performance materials was announced by 3D Systems at the recent EuroMold 2014 exhibition. Image courtesy of 3D Systems Inc

The new high-performance materials for the ProX 500 Plus include a glass-filled polyamide (nylon) material formulated for parts that will undergo thermal stress or that require high rigidity, such as aircraft and automotive parts, complex housings and enclosures. This 3D printer can also use an alloy-filled polyamide that has what the company describes as extreme tensile strength and high heat deflection properties, which makes it suitable for manifolds and similar under-hood automotive models in addition to jigs and fixtures. Additionally, the ProX 500 Plus can manufacture snap-fit designs, thin-walled parts and fine-featured models with a Nylon 11 material that provides exceptional impact strength, increased durability and remarkable flexibility, 3DS says.

The ProX 400 uses the 3DS Direct Metal Printing (DMP) additive manufacturing process to 3D print industrial-grade metal parts and complex molds. It has the largest build area of any metal 3D printer in the 3DS product line-up: 19.69 x 19.69 x 19.69 in. (500 x 500 x 500 mm). Layer thickness ranges from 10 to 100 μm. A dual-laser system, the ProX 400 offers factory production features such as automated finishing and a modular design, says 3DS. The ProX 400 can print in more than a dozen alloys and ceramics, including aluminum, cobalt, chrome, maraging steel, stainless steel and titanium.

3D Systems says that its new ProX 400 uses a direct metal printing process to 3D print industrial-grade metal parts and complex molds. This 3D printer has the largest build area of any metal 3D printer in the company’s product line-up. Image courtesy of 3D Systems Inc.

3DS also released five new materials for its ProJet 1200 professional-level 3D printer. The new materials, says 3DS, expand applications for engineers, manufacturers, dental labs, jewelers and 3D artists. The new FTX Gray and FTX Clear materials add to the company’s portfolio of material options for small end-use parts and presentation models for engineers as well as figurines and design creation for 3D artists. The new FTX Cast and FTX Gold and FTX Silver materials give jewelers a digital prototyping and production workflow.

In related news, 3DS announced new advanced composites and flexible materials for its professional-level ProJet 5500X MultiJet 3D printer. 3DS describes the new materials as tough, functional-grade, flexible elastomers in black and translucent that offer new versatility for models, functional prototypes and end-use parts. The new printing materials mean that the ProJet 5500X can create up to 14 unique materials in a single print.

New materials for the ProJet 1200 3D printer from 3D Systems extend the range of applications it can handle for manufacturers, engineers, dental labs, jewelers and 3D artists. Image courtesy of 3D Systems Inc.

In addition to new 3D printers and materials, 3DS announced its Capture Mini, a scan-based design and inspection system for small, precise parts such as small mechanical parts, jewelry and dental models. 3DS says that Capture Mini combined with its Geomagic software can provide a complete digital platform for capture, creation, 3D print and inspection workflows.

“We are thrilled to unveil a new suite of products that will support the most demanding manufacturing applications, especially in activities such as aerospace, automotive, personalized healthcare and the production of high performance, end-use parts,” said Avi Reichental, president and chief executive officer of 3DS, in a press statement. “Our … solutions unlock significantly faster product development cycles, seamless content-to-print digital workflows and truly unprecedented part performance.”

For more information, visit 3D Systems Inc.

Watch a video on the ProX 800 SLA system.

Download the ProX 800 brochure.

Watch a video on the ProX 500 Plus SLA system.

Download the ProX 500 and ProX 500 Plus brochure.

Download the ProX 400 brochure.

Watch a video on the ProJet 1200 and its new materials.

Watch a video on the new Capture Mini scan-based design and inspection system.

See why DE‘s Editors selected the new 3D printers, materials and related products from 3D Systems as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.