3D Systems has announced new products and capabilities to accelerate additive manufacturing in the investment casting, jewellery and dental markets, and extend its leadership in metal production for healthcare and aerospace.
Announcements include an expansion of its MultiJet Wax family with the new ProJet MJP 2500W and VisiJet M2 CAST RealWax material, for jewellery and industrial casting. The new wax system combines the precision of the MJP 2500 platform with a next-generation 100% real wax material to deliver precise, durable, high-resolution patterns.
The company has also introduced new VisiJet materials for the platform with rigid properties for applications such as snap-fit assemblies. These include a new dental model material in rigid tan (VisiJet M2R-TN), rigid black (VisiJet M2R-BK), rigid white (VisiJet M2R-WT) and rigid clear (VisiJet M2R-CL).
The company also extended its 3D Sprint software across the MultiJet printer family. The software provides design, preparation and management tools to streamline the 3D printing process, saving users time and money.
“Our most recent developments expand the capabilities and innovation of our customers across key verticals to dramatically improve their digital workflow,” said Jim Ruder, Senior Vice President of Plastics, 3D Systems. “We are committed to providing solutions that deliver productivity, repeatability, durability and improved total cost of operations to drive real 3D production for our customers.”
Metals materials, capabilities extend precision metal leadership
3D Systems also introduced four new LaserForm metal materials for precision metal part production in healthcare, aerospace, dental and other applications. Optimised for 3D Systems' metal printers, these materials are supported by a rich material database compiled from nearly half a million builds at the company’s metal production facilities. The new materials include:
- LaserForm Ni625 (A), a nickel cobalt chrome material ideal for applications requiring high temperature and corrosion resistance as well as high strength. LaserForm Ni625 (A) enables shorter lead times and reduced cost over conventional production methods in most applicable industries.
- LaserForm CoCrF75 (A), a cobalt chrome material well suited for industrial parts requiring resistance to corrosion, wear and high temperatures. LaserForm CoCrF75 (A) is specifically suited for medical tools and devices; dental implants and prostheses; moulds and dies; high wear industrial applications; and parts requiring high strength at elevated temperatures.
- LaserForm 17-4PH (A), a stainless steel material for parts that require excellent corrosion resistance, high strength and good toughness.
- LaserForm AlSi10Mg (A), an aluminium material for parts that require lighter weights, good mechanical properties and high thermal conductivity, particularly in industrial, automotive and aerospace applications.
3D Systems also introduced DMP Vision to enable process monitoring for new and existing ProX DMP 320 customers. The DMP hardware and software kit enables layer by layer image data collection and analytics to optimise build strategy and regulate builds for improved quality control, reporting and process archiving.
As of next month, 3D Systems will also begin bundling its 3DXpert workflow software with all its direct metal printers. 3DXpert reduces design and print time and produces better parts by combining powerful print preparation, shape optimisation, printing strategies and slicing capabilities.
“The addition of DMP Vision and 3DXpert, combined with our new LaserForm materials, enhances our ability to deliver leading precision metal solutions to customers who require the highest standards for surface finish, resolution and quality parts,” said Kevin McAlea, EVP, General Manager, Metals & Healthcare, 3D Systems.
Full-colour improvements for anatomical & concept modelling
In full-colour 3D printing, 3D Systems unveiled the ProJet CJP 260Plus for anatomical modelling in healthcare and concept modelling for accelerated product development. The ProJet CJP 260Plus is the company’s most compact printer for fast and affordable full-colour 3D printing, and offers full CMY colour in a closed-loop powder loading, removal and recycling system.
At launch, the company is offering current 3D Systems’ ProJet CJP 260C owners the option to upgrade to the ProJet CJP 260Plus.
