Stratasys speeds up FDM rapid prototyping and manufacturing

Stratasys speeds up FDM rapid prototyping and manufacturing: increasing throughput up to 50 percent

‘13 Slice’ layer thickness adds flexibility to FDM T-class systems

(NASDAQ: SSYS) Stratasys today announced a new build option that increases throughput up to 50 percent compared with previously available options.

The enhancement affects the FDM Titan and FDM Vantage systems using ABS plastic. The exact throughput improvement will depend on part geometry, and average speed improvement is 40 percent.

The build option employs a new layer thickness, measuring 0.013 inch (0.330 mm), which is best suited to larger geometry, where the highest resolution is not required or when faster speed is needed. FDM layer thickness options now include 0.005, 0.007, 0.010, and 0.013 in. (0.127, 0.178, 0.254, and 0.330 mm).

“Users can select layer-thickness options to tailor their part’s surface finish, feature detail, and build speed to the job at hand,” says product marketing manager Fred Fischer. “The new ‘13 slice’ option gives you more flexibility. With one system, you can build anything from very fine, intricate parts like cell-phone pieces to a large engine block. These options will also give more choice for those doing direct digital manufacturing.”

The new build option covers the following T-Class systems: Titan, Titan Ti, Vantage i-a, Vantage X, Vantage S, and Vantage SE.

This enhancement is available at no charge to users on maintenance/warranty contract via a software update. Users wishing to receive the update should contact their customer service representative.

Stratasys Inc., Minneapolis, makes rapid prototyping and direct digital manufacturing systems. Stratasys equipment is used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, and consumer products. In 2005, the company installed 34 percent of all systems sold worldwide, making it the unit market leader for the fourth consecutive year, according to Wohlers Report 2006. Stratasys patented the rapid prototyping process known as fused deposition modeling (FDM®). The process creates functional prototypes or parts directly from any 3D CAD program using ABS plastic, polycarbonate, PPSF or other materials. The company holds 180 granted or pending global prototyping patents. In addition to manufacturing products, Stratasys is the exclusive North American distributor of Arcam rapid manufacturing and prototyping systems. On the Web: www.Stratasys.com

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