3D Systems unveils ProJet MJP 5600, two software programs and two SLA materials

3D Systems made the announcements at RAPID+TCT.

by

In addition to the announcement of its partnering with Materialise, 3D Systems has afforded RAPID+TCT attendees with the first look of it ProJet MJP 5600 printer, an accompanying software program and two new SLA materials.

Accelerating its leadership in plastic additive manufacturing, 3D Systems suggest the ProJet MJP 5600 offers rapid print speeds and part costs that are up to 40% less than competing multi-material printers. The machine also features new 3D Sprint 2.5 software, which provides improved estimates of build time and material use.

Featuring advanced jetting technology, the ProJet MJP 5600 delivers quality parts ideal for prototyping, functional testing and medical modelling. Meanwhile, the machine’s multi-material capabilities allow customers to digitally blend rigid and elastomeric materials at the voxel level. This means superior mechanical properties can be achieved and thus parts can  be used in a variety of applications, such as assemblies, rubber-like components, and jigs and fixtures. The 3D Sprint software also allows users to assign different material blends to separate shells within a single part.

Boasting a 64-bit OS, larger 10-inch display and on-board capabilities to slice multiple builds simultaneously, the ProJet MJP 5600 brings an enhanced user experience, and proficiencies which allow faster job processing speed compared to the ProJet MJP 5500X which it succeeds. For owners of the 5500X machine, an upgrade program is lined up, which will protect the customers’ investment.

Along with the upgraded printer, 3D Systems also introduced the BisiJet CR-BK, a new rigid black plastic material. The company suggest users will now have freedom to produce parts with enhanced mechanical performances to meet the most demanding product designs.

“Today’s announcement extends our leadership position in 3D multi-material plastics printing by delivering solutions that enable customers to produce better parts faster at a much lower cost,” said Jim Ruder, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Plastics at 3D Systems.

The ProJet 5600 is expected to be available in June, with the upgrade program plan following in July.

3D Systems has also offered more detail into the 3D Sprint 2.5 software which was released alongside the ProJet 5600. Not exclusive to the ProJet 5600 – it also supports 3D Systems’ current line of SLA, MJP and CJP printers – the company believes the 3D Sprint 2.5 contributes to delivering superior part quality, while saving users time and money.

3D Sprint’s Smart Technology produces highly efficient SLA supports for easier removal, improved surface finish and material savings. Meanwhile, a more intuitive interface provides a streamlined process and cost-effective operations.

“3D Sprint is a significant improvement to the existing software,” said Brad Phillip, Senior Design Engineer, Amcor Rigid Plastic. “In some cases it is 60 times faster when slicing the build, as well as being much more intuitive when it comes to build creation and manipulation.”

3D Systems plans to make 3D Sprint 2.5 available this week, with licenses available to current SLA, MJP, and CJP customers at no charge. Licenses for 3D Sprint 2.5 will be bundled with each supported new printer, with additional licenses available for purchase.

Also made readily available, are 3D Systems’ two new SLA materials. Accura HPC, developed for the ProX 800 is suitable for advanced performance applications which require exceptional rigidity and abrasion resistance, such as wind tunnel models or welding fixtures. It combines superior stiffness with high throughput production capability, ensuring sufficient strength.

The second material, Acura Phoenix, has been developed for the ProJet 6000 and 7000 machines. It offers exceptional clarity and high-temperature resistance, making it suitable for high temperature fluid flow visualisations in complex automotive parts, for example.

3D Systems also announced the launch of Geomagic Freeform 2017, a comprehensive, hybrid design software. The company sees this program assisting users as they combat complex design and manufacturing challenges in a single platform.

Excelling particularly in the design for mass customisation of parts, Geomgaic Freeform 2017 includes production workflows to speed repeated processes for personalised variations of a design. New features include the ability to create 3D text labels which exactly fir or offset the surface of an existing model, especially useful in the designing of parts which must mould fit to another object. Geomagic Freeform 2017 is expected to be available from June.

In addition to 3D System’s product launches, the company also announced the immediate bundling of its 3DXpert software, with all of its direct metal printers to streamline precision metal workflows for customers across applications and industries.

3D Systems is present all week at RAPID+TCT showcasing its new releases from Booth #2525.