uPrint SE 3D Printers build accurate, stable 3D models in ABSplus plastic. They’re ideal for determining form, fit and function in everything from ergonomics to manufacturing processes. These aren’t fragile lab beauties either. ABSplus is stronger than materials typically used by competitive 3D printers.

By producing models in house instead of outsourcing to a service bureau, you can keep your most ground-breaking product designs confidential.

With the uPrint SE 3D Print Pack you get everything you need to start printing immediately. No hidden costs. Nothing more to consider. Just un-box and print.

The uPrint SE 3D Print Pack includes everything you need to start making durable, accurate 3D models in ABSplus plastic.

The uPrint SE 3D Print Pack includes:
- uPrint SE 3D Printer
- WaveWash Support Cleaning System
- Start-up Kit

With prices starting at $15,900 companies are now able to take advantage of low monthly lease payments for less than $300. For many organizations, this monthly lease payment requires no capital expenditure approvals and is less than purchasing a single part build from a service bureau.

To learn more about the new uPrint SE Print Pack, click here for more information.

Carrie Patrick
Marketing Manager
3DVision Technologies ]]> http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2012/01/06/3dvision-technologies-is-pleased-to-annouce-the-new-uprint-se-3d-print-pack/feed/ 0 http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/10/26/successful-flight-of-unmanned-aircraft-system/ http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/10/26/successful-flight-of-unmanned-aircraft-system/#comments Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:08:50 +0000 cpatrick http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/?p=4097 3DVision customer SelectTech GeoSpatial is doing some AMAZING things that I just had to share with you.

Just a few weeks ago SelectTech GeoSpatial’s Advanced Manufacturing Facility Technical Team in Springfield, Ohio launched a successful test flight of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

The UAS was designed and built with SolidWorks and a Dimension 1200 3D printer. This is the first non-government built aircraft of its kind.

The aircraft has a wingspan exceeding 4 feet and weighs 5.3 pounds. Best part, it was made entirely from ABSplastic. Powered by an electric motor and lithium polymer batteries, it flew in winds in excess of 25 knots. The pilot, Jad Lowrey said, “it took off very smoothly and handled well even in high wind”.

The aircraft was designed and engineered by Frand Beafore, Executive Director of SGAMF, and Beth Galang, Chief Designer. Galang indicated “this design and build system revolutionizes the product development process – not to mention speed to delivery”.

The initial flight trials were made at the Springfield-Beckley airport under The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) flight rules.

The combination of the amazing design team at SelectTech and the supported solutions of SolidWorks and Dimension 3D printing is a great example of how anything is possible.

For more information on SelectTech, visit their website at http://www.sgamf.com/

Carrie Patrick
Marketing Manager
3DVision Technologies ]]> http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/10/26/successful-flight-of-unmanned-aircraft-system/feed/ 0 http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/07/29/factory-floor-efficiencies-manufacturing-tools-101/ http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/07/29/factory-floor-efficiencies-manufacturing-tools-101/#comments Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:03:48 +0000 cpatrick http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/?p=3654 If you are in charge of finding new ways to streamline manufacturing, 3DVision Technologies has a webinar for you.

Presented by Noah Zehringer, Application Engineer for Stratasys, Inc. In this webinar you will learn how to use additive manufacturing’s Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology to create lightweight, inexpensive jigs, fixtures, guides, gauges, patterns and more.

Tight deadlines? Changing schedules? Revised productions plans? No Worries. This webinar will help you see how you can put new manufacturing tools in action in just a day.

What you will learn:
- How to use thermoplastic fixtures in place of metal frames.
- How to prevent downtime on your manufacturing floor.
- How to decrease assembly working fatigue.
- How to create workholding tools faster and easier than with manufacturing.

Who should attend?
- Production Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Operations Managers
- Machine Shop Supervisors
- Machinists
- Assembly Supervisors

Make additive manufacturing your competitive advantage by learning how it can streamline your production facility.

Click here to register!

Carrie Patrick
Marketing Manager
3DVision Technologies ]]> http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/07/29/factory-floor-efficiencies-manufacturing-tools-101/feed/ 0 http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/07/15/3dvision-technologies-is-pleased-to-announce-the-release-of-the-new-fortus-250mc/ http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/07/15/3dvision-technologies-is-pleased-to-announce-the-release-of-the-new-fortus-250mc/#comments Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:30:29 +0000 cpatrick http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/?p=3565 3DVision Technologies is thrilled to unveil the new Fortus 250mc 3D Production System.

Ideal for budget-minded buyers, the new Fortus 250mc 3D Production System is the most affordable Fortus machine. This hybrid machine combines the efficiency of Dimension 3D Printers with the versatility of Fortus 3D Production Systems.

Powered by Insight software, customers can access more file processing options to customize build speed, part accuracy, and surface finish. In addition you are able to build parts with three slice options: .178 mm (.007), .254 mm (.010in) or .330 mm (.013in).

The Fortus 250mc allows users to produce parts in a variety of ABSplus colors and easily remove supports with SR-30 support material. The build envelope of the Fortus 250mc is 254 x 254 x 305 mm (10 x 10 x 12 in), allowing adequate space to produce most parts.

For more information, contact Shannon Morgan, 3DVision Technologies 3D Printing expert at 1-800-745-3136 or at smorgan@3dvision.com

Carrie Patrick
Marketing Manager
3DVision Technologies ]]> http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/07/15/3dvision-technologies-is-pleased-to-announce-the-release-of-the-new-fortus-250mc/feed/ 0 http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/06/29/dimension-printed-simulation-verified-blow-off-valve-adapter/ http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/index.php/2011/06/29/dimension-printed-simulation-verified-blow-off-valve-adapter/#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 01:35:40 +0000 rwarren http://www.3dvision.com/wordpress/?p=3465 Adding a new Blitz Blow Off Valve (BOV) to an aftermarket turbo system lead to no clearance between the valve and the hood of the vehicle.  An adapter was needed to drop the BOV from the high pressure pipe outlet to between the twin cooling fans behind the radiator.

High Pressure Pipe Assembly

BOV Adapter

The problem statement is as follows:

A custom adapter was developed to accommodate hood clearance.  Before final fabrication out of aluminum a prototype was “printed” using a Dimension Rapid Prototype Printer.  The printed ABS parts are inherently porous and needed to be sealed in order to hold pressure.  The part was dipped quickly  in acetone and then washed thoroughly with soapy water to seal the pores.  The part was then tested to 110 PSI on a test bench before failure.  A second part was then tested on the car.

Because operating pressure is only 10 PSI, a FOS of 10 was provided by the design.

110 PSI Failure

The second consideration is that the BOV is cantilevered off of the high pressure pipe bung .  The BOV weighs approximately 1/8th of a pound. Adding this to the loading still produced a FOS of   5.

Combined Load

Simulation verified the physical test results and showed that the printed part holds up to the design requirements. The printed ABS adapter works so well an aluminum version was never fabricated.  110 passes down the 1/4 mile drag strip, 1000’s of miles, and 4 autocross seasons, and the little plastic adapter keeps on going.

Introduction:
Ecoworks cleaning agent is designed to remove support materials from models built using the FDM process with SR-10 (P400-SR), SR-20, or SR-30 soluble support materials. The cleaning agent is both user- and eco-friendly. No personal protection equipment is required when handling the cleaning agent and disposal of the used solution requires only dilution with clean water to meet generally acceptable world-wide disposal standards*.

Several factors impact support removal effectiveness and time:
* Agitation/Circulation (varies by tank type and manufacturer)
* Temperature
* Part Geometry and Amount of Support Material
* PH Level
* Time

Results will vary based on the above factors. Below are recommended guidelines for using Ecoworks.

Temperature:
Water temperatures between 70°C and 75°C are most effective for dissolving support materials. Temperatures above 75°C may cause models to distort. Dissolve times with temperatures below 70°C will take longer.

Ecoworks Amounts:
To optimize support removal and meet generally acceptable pH levels for waste water disposal, the following amount (number of packages) of Ecoworks should be used:
One package (foil bag) for every 2 gallons (7.5 liters) of water. The entire contents of the package (both sides A and B) should be used.
For each additional two gallons (7.5 liters) of water, add an additional package of Ecoworks. For example, an 8 gallon (30 liters) tank requires 4 packages of Ecoworks. With the above ratio of Ecoworks and water, the pH level of clean solution will be approximately 9.8.

Solution Life:
How often you change the solution is dependent on the tank you use, how you maintain it, and the complexity of your parts. As support materials are dissolved over time, the pH level will decrease and dissolve times will increase.
For optimal effectiveness, the solution should be changed after 1.5 lbs. (0.68 kg) or approximately 40 cu. in. (655 cu. cm) of support material has been dissolved.

Solution Disposal*:
Waste Water Profiles are available for each of the three soluble support materials –
SR-10 (P400-SR), SR-20, and SR-30. These profiles are based on the dilution of used solution with an equal amount of fresh water. For example, when disposing of 4 gallons (15 liters) of used solution, dilute with 4 gallons (15 liters) of fresh water.

Download Waste Water Profile Data-sheet

Last week Dimension announced that they have several Demo/Tradeshow units now available at a significantly reduced price. (Imagine Black Friday one month early and only for printers.)

How significant you ask? Significant enough to get this girl excited and in this economy that’s saying a lot.

Right now you have a shot at the following, but remember, these aren’t going to last for long so I strongly encourage you to call your sales rep immediately if you are thinking of making a purchase in 2009.

uPrint Personal Printer – $11,920
BST 768 – $14,000
BST1200ES – $15,120
SST1200ES – $26,320
Elite – $23,920

Happy shopping!

It fit in the Fit (thanks to the portability of the uPrint and the hand grooves on the bottom of it)! We even managed to take the wash tank (used to wash the soluble support material off the finished parts) on the same trip with ease. With my Honda Fit priced at just over $16k and the uPrint priced at just under $15k, I nearly doubled the value of my new car.

It really surprised me how easy the uPrint was to relocate. The setup is not much more involved than the setup of a networked paper printer. Considering the size, the quietness, and the ability for it to be run off a standard 115v 15-amp line makes it just as office-friendly as well. The future is here. You can now create fully functional prototypes in the comfort of your very own office space for less than $15k. Amazing!

Layer resolution – height of each layer of material extruded to produce a part. Available resolutions are based on printer type.
.007 inch (.178 mm) Elite Only
.010 inch (.254 mm) Elite, 1200, and uPrint
.013 inch (.330 mm) 1200 Only

Resolution will effect build time and surface finish – A shorter height creates a smoother finish, but will take longer to build.

Model interior – establishes type of fill used for interior, solid areas of the part.

Solid - used when a stronger, more durable part is desirable. Build times will be longer and more material will be used.

Sparse - high density (Elite, 1200es, uPrint 3D Printers only) – this is the default model interior style and it is highly recommended. Build times will be shorter, less material will be used, and the possibility of part curl for geometries with large mass will be greatly reduced.

Sparse -low density- the interior will be “honeycombed/hatched”. This style allows for the shortest build times and lowest material use.

Support fill – support material is used to brace the model material during the build process. It is removed when the part is complete. Support fill options will affect the support strength and build time of the print.

Basic - may be used for most parts. It uses a consistent spacing between the support raster tool paths.

Sparse - minimizes the amount of support material. Sparse uses a much larger spacing between raster tool paths than basic supports.

Minimal - is used for small parts that have small features in need of supports. It is designed to make support removal easier on these small parts. Do NOT use minimal supports on large parts or parts with tall columns of support.

Break-away – similar to sparse supports without a closed tool path-perimeter curve. They are easier to remove than other support styles but build slower than sparse supports (not available for all printers).

Surround - the entire model is surrounded by support material. Typically used for tall, thin (narrow) models (e.g., pencil).

Number of copies – select the number of copies you want to Print or Add to Pack. The number of possible copies will be limited by the size of the modeling platform. Multiple copies sent to Print will first be saved as a Pack_.cmb file. If using the Add to Pack button, each click will send the same number of copies to a Pack – if space allows. From the Pack Tab you can view the arrangement of the part(s) on the Modeling Platform.

STL units – select ‘inches’ or ‘millimeters’ units of measure for your STL file. STL files do not specify units of measure. You need to specify the units as either inches or millimeters.

Example: An STL file of a cube designed with a dimension of 100 X 100 X 100, opening with a unit of measure set to inches, will not fit within the build envelope. By changing the units of measure to ‘millimeters’, the part will be resized – and fit within the envelope.

STL scale – before you process a part for printing, you can change the size of the part within the build envelope. Every part has a pre-defined size within the STL file. After you have opened the file you can change the size of the part produced from the STL file by changing the scale. The Scale always relates to the ORIGINAL (or “Save As”) STL file size definition.

The uPrint only offers one layer resolution .010. The means that every part is sliced into layers measuring .010 thick. The Dimension line offers the ability to choose between .007 and .010 on the Elite and .010 and .013 on the 1200es. In most cases Dimension users only use the lower of the two choices so the uPrint is a great option for most users.

The uPrint is built off the 1200’s technology so both are up to 30% faster than the Dimension Elite printer. The uPrint and 1200es also offer the ability to rotate your part 90 degrees after slicing. That means you can pack more parts onto one tray without slicing a part once in one direction and then slicing the same part in the opposite direction. The Elite does not offer this because the head does not toggle between model and support.

All three machines use the same ABSplus model material. The uPrint currently only offers one color, white. The Elite and 1200es offer White, Black, Blue, Olive Green, Nectarine, Fluorescence Yellow, Steel Gray and Natural. The uPrint and Elite only support the soluble support material. The Dimension 1200es offers the option of either breakaway OR soluble support.

The uPrint material comes in spools containing 30 cubic inches. Dimension material comes in cartridges containing 56.3 cubic inches. With the uPrint you can choose to add a second material bay which doubles your capacity to 60 cubic inches and gives you the ability to build with one spool while reloading the second.

If you haven’t yet had the chance to check out the Dimension line of products I encourage you to check them out for yourself.