3D Systems, SLA, MJP, VisiJet, Formnext 2024
Image Credit: 3D Systems

During Formnext 2024, OEM 3D Systems will showcase several new products that will help customers meet a variety of applications with its Stereolithography (SLA) and Figure 4® portfolios. The company also adds new materials to its SLS solution and MultiJet Printing (MJP)  portfolios and introduces a new powder management peripheral for its DMP Flex 200. 

New 3D printer, new post-processing solutions, and new materials  in the Stereolithography (SLA) and Figure 4® portfolios

3D Systems introduces the PSLA 270, a projector-based SLA additive manufacturing solution that is compact, cost-efficient, and versatile. Its architecture merges the pixel productivity of projection-based technology and the buoyant, non-contact precision of SLA.

The manufacturer explains that with the PSLA 270, there is no contact, and no gravity-based distortion. The result is remarkable precision, consistency, and part quality irrespective of geometry with a fraction of the support structure needed by other solutions. While building inverted with a membrane works great for small parts, it introduces distortion from peeling and gravity on bulky parts with large cross-sections. 

In its post-processing solutions, one finds the Wash 400/Wash 400F and Cure 400, designed to wash, cure, and dry parts. 

  • 3D Systems’ Wash 400 (supports non-flammable detergents) and Wash 400F (supports flammable detergents such as IPA) eliminate most of the manual cleaning of resin-printed parts. The dual system design allows for “Dirty” and “Clean” washing workflows, a parts holder for loose parts or full-build platforms, and a piston lift mechanism for removing parts from the detergents. Both solutions have simple, intuitive user interfaces and accommodate 400 mm build plates, making them ideal for professional and industrial workflows and facilities.
  • 3D Systems’ Cure 400 is an advanced tool that provides scalable options for post-processing UV-curable resins. It features a rotary table for part shadow reduction, full spectrum LEDs, and a 400 x 400 x 400 mm curing volume. Cure 400 is compatible with all UV photopolymers in the 3D Systems portfolio to ensure a lasting post-processing solution. It was designed with scalability in mind to optimize floor space and user workflows of medium-frame printer systems. Streamlined recipes control the temperature and UV exposure to achieve optimal material properties, and the rotating part platform ensures uniform UV exposure for even curing over the total cure volume.

The Wash 400, Wash 400F, and Cure 400 are designed to work with all 3D Systems SLA systems (limited to Wash and Cure volumes), all Figure 4 systems, and all PSLA systems. General availability for these products is anticipated for the first quarter of 2025.

As far as materials are concerned, 3D Systems introduces rigid materials such as Figure 4 Rigid Composite White and Accura® AMX Rigid Composite White which can deliver high stiffness parts, while minimizing post-processing requirements. 

Compatible with the company’s Figure 4, SLA, and PSLA technologies, the materials are resistant to settling and therefore increase printer up-time through stability and significantly reduced requirement for material maintenance. The result is a more efficient workflow to create high-resolution parts. Ideal applications for these materials include parts for wind tunnel testing, small format short-run tools, jigs and fixtures, and parts exposed to fluids. 

New 3D printer and new SLS and MJP materials

3D Systems launches a process-controlled Additive Manufacturing solution for production selective laser sintering. Named SLS 380, the platform enhances thermal consistency and delivers repeatable parts due to consistent build quality with a water-cooled laser. 

The thermal algorithm manages eight independently calibrated heaters in the build chamber, coordinated by an integrated high-resolution IR camera sampling at 100,000 times per second. The highly controlled thermal profile yields a more homogenous build chamber providing consistent parts and higher yields in a production environment, 3D Systems explains.

To complement this platform, 3D Systems is introducing several new materials at Formnext including DuraForm® PA12 BlackDuraForm TPU 90ADuraForm PA CF, and DuraForm FR 106

3D Systems also introduces two new materials for its ProJet® MJP 2500 Plus: VisiJet® Armor Max (M2G-JF) and VisiJet M2P-CST Crystal™ . 

VisiJet® Armor Max (M2G-JF) is a tough, ABS-like clear performance plastic that exhibits an exceptional balance of strength and toughness. This enhanced formulation enables greater production efficiency and repeatability across a wide range of advanced prototyping applications. 

VisiJet M2P-CST Crystal™ is a durable, castable resin that can be used for jewelry and industrial applications. This material enables a different class of jewelry that includes fine features, thin walls, and mesh patterns perfect for rings, bracelets, pendants, brooches, and more. It enables the printing of complex geometries that would not survive the handling and post-processing steps in wax. This engineered blended acrylate uses wax and stabilizing elements to add strength and durability while still burning out cleanly which also makes it suitable for fit test models, building prototypes, and consumer goods casting applications.  

The new powder management peripheral 

3D Systems launches a new powder management peripheral that will be on display for its DMP Flex 200 printer. The Delfin INVAC 3D is a vacuum system engineered for the safe extraction and reuse of metal powders during additive manufacturing processes. 

Developed by Delfin, a global manufacturer of powder management and containment solutions, this system was designed to address the requirements of dental laboratories using 3D Systems’ DMP Flex 200. The Delfin INVAC 3D is based on a gas-tight, closed-loop technology that ensures safe extraction of metal powders from 3D printers. The ability to continually recover and reuse metal powders throughout the additive manufacturing process helps drive increased efficiency while lowering costs. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to view the INVAC 3D in the Delfin booth (Hall 11.1, Stand D01) during Formnext. Other solutions can be found in the 3D Systems booth (Hall 11.1, Booth D11).

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