Stratasys 3D system mixes materials, part sizes without compromising precision

Stratasys Ltd, a global provider of 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, has introduced the Objet 1000 Plus 3D production system and a new high-volume filament package, the Xtend 500 Fortus Plus for Fortus 3D production systems.

The Objet 1000 Plus 3D production system offers extra-large print size and accelerated speeds for demanding manufacturing applications including aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and consumer products as well as for service bureaus and universities, said Stratasys in their announcement. The company maintains that the Objet 1000 Plus brings versatility to the world of large scale 3D printing in its ability to mix materials and part sizes while maintaining ultra fine precision.

Its large build envelope of 39 x 31 x 19 in. is efficiently traversed with a new optimized print block movement that accelerates print speeds up to 40% faster than its predecessor. This productivity boost alongside other refinements and simple post processing results in reduced cost-per-part.

Users can choose from more than 100 Stratasys materials, including the polypropylene-like Endur. The Objet 1000 can produce tough parts with smooth surface finishes in high-speed mode while taking advantage of the new Endur Digital materials, which combine two resins in a single material for a wider range of material properties.

"The range of materials is quite extensive," said Ron Ellenbogen, Stratasys Product Marketing Director. "From rubber-like materials to Digital ABS to various Shore A levels, up to 14 material properties are possible on a single part. And many parts can be produced with varying properties in a single run."

Unlike many large-format systems, there is no trade-off between part size and part quality, according to Stratasys. The workflow is identical to smaller PolyJet 3D printing systems, and the system is simple to operate and is designed for long periods of unattended operation.

"Today's designers and engineers at manufacturing companies and service bureaus need an additive manufacturing system that can take on all challenges - large and small," said Ellenbogen. "We believe that's the big advantage of the Objet 1000 Plus Production System. It is the first of its kind to combine large print sizes, multiple materials, accelerated print speeds, super find resolution and a simplified workflow."

Stratasys also announced the new Xtend 500 Fortus Plus, a high-volume filament package for Fortus 3D production systems that is designed for reliable and unattended high-volume use. Each Xtend 500 box contains 500 cubic inches of FDM thermoplastic material, delivering more than five times the output of standard canisters. When two material boxes are loaded into a Fortus 3D Production System, users can expect up to 400 hours of unattended run time and up to 1,000 cubic inches of material use.

Stratasys' information explains that Xtend 500 gives users the freedom of fewer material changeovers, resulting in streamlined 3D production. This feature can also contribute to reduced operations costs. "For our customers, and 3D printing in general, developing a larger volume package is a huge step in navigating away from day-to-day 3D printer planning and operations," said Brendan Dillon, product manager for Stratasys. "More time can now be spent on designing parts rather than wondering if the 3D printer is going to run out of material over the weekend."

By implementing Xtend 500, manufacturers with prototyping needs and service bureaus producing large parts can benefit from reduced material changeovers, as well as logistical savings in shipping and storage. Xtend 500 is available in ABS-M30 (ivory and black) and PC and they respective support materials for the Fortus 450mc 3D Production System.

Owners of Fortus 360mc, 400mc and 900mc 3D Production Systems can also take advantage of Xtend 500 with a Fortus Plus system upgrade. Most system owners will benefit from streamlined logistics when they share material stock across systems, said Stratasys.