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Entries in 3D Systems (15)

Tuesday
26Jan2010

Objet vs. ProJet

DateTuesday, January 26, 2010 |

The gloves are off now. We've just found a rather dramatic slideshow from 3D Systems that provides their take on a comparison between 3D Systems' ProJet technology and Objet's deposition tech. The slides are filled with side-by-side images of identical objects printed using both technologies. 
 
The examination covered areas of quality, accuracy, stability, productivity, cost, post-processing and versatility. Needless to say, 3D Systems wins handily, but that could possibly be due to the fact that they put the comparison together. Nevertheless, the images are quite revealing, as you can see in a sample image above.
 
The key difference appears to be ProJet's phase change technology, which causes deposited droplets to solidify immediately prior to curing, whereas Objet's tend to spread out a bit, leading to less accurate deposition. Other claimed differences include a side-by-side thermal comparison in which the unfortunate Objet samples seem to wilt more than ProJet. The slides continue, explaining apparent differences in build capacity, warranty coverage, cleaning damage, amount of maintenance required, and the "Six Untold Weaknesses of Objet Printers". 
 
So, dear readers, do you agree with this comparison? What factors did 3D Systems miss? 
 
Via 3D Systems

 

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Thursday
07Jan2010

Cathy Lewis On Daily Planet

DateThursday, January 7, 2010 |

 

Cathy Lewis, former CEO of Desktop Factory and now VP of Global Marketing for 3D Systems, recently made an appearance on Discovery Channel Canada's Daily Planet science news show.
 
In the short interview, Cathy explains the basics of 3D printing and displays a variety of different printed objects, including one with moving parts. She spoke of different applications, including personally-shaped bandages, replacement bones, parts for repairs, etc. 
 
Daily Planet host Jay Ingram didn't seem very familiar with the concept of 3D printing and was quite amazed to witness its capabilities. He was especially thrilled to learn he could (theoretically) print out replacement "houses" for his home Monopoly game. 
 
That's definitely possible, but perhaps it might be cheaper to buy a new Monopoly game. 
 
Via DiscoveryChannel.ca
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Sunday
13Dec2009

3D Systems Unveils The Biggest!

DateSunday, December 13, 2009 |



3D Printer manufacturer 3D Systems demonstrated their new Projet 5000 Large Format 3D printer at the EuroMold conference. Is this just another 3D printer? No - there's something unique about this one.

It possibly has the largest build chamber available in a 3D printer today: a staggering 55 x 39 x 30 cm. To accompany that statistic, the Projet 5000 can also run for an amazing 80 unattended hours, due to its ability to hold up to 8 material delivery modules.

For those applications that absolutely require the large build size, this will be welcome news. No word on pricing yet, but it's probably more than we can afford.

Via 3D Systems

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Thursday
05Nov2009

Desktop Factory - 3D Systems Update

DateThursday, November 5, 2009 |


As readers may recall, Desktop Factory - the startup that attempted to build a sub USD$5,000 3D printer - was recently acquired by 3D Systems, makers of not-sub USD$5,000 3D printers. We've been wondering what has transpired since the acquisition, and this week Desktop Factory's former CEO, Cathy Lewis provided an update. Here's the highlights:

  • Desktop Factory's equipment, people and prototypes have all been moved to 3D Systems' labs in Valencia, California.
  • A "technical assessment" of Desktop Factory's prototypes is underway and is expected to take "a few months" to complete. We anticipate seeing announcements of some kind at that point.
  • Cathy Lewis has become 3D Systems's head of global marketing.

So we'll have to wait a bit longer to see if the vision of commercially available sub USD$5,000 3D printers will come to pass. Clearly it will at some point, but we believed that Desktop Factory would get it done a lot faster.

One more thing: 3D Systems is actually offering a 3D Printer for USD$4,995 right now! Actually, it's a model they no longer manufacture, and thus are simply clearing out existing stock. However, the price may be right for some buyers. It's an InVision LD 3D Printer on sale at 50% off MSRP. Check the details at the link below.

Via 3D Systems

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Wednesday
07Oct2009

The World's Largest Parts Service?

DateWednesday, October 7, 2009 |



We received notification that 3D Systems, makers of various manufacturing devices, including the V-Flash and ProJet series of 3D printers and most recently acquirers of Desktop Factory, have done it again. From their press release, 3D Systems:

… announced today that it acquired the assets of Acu-Cast Technologies, a leading provider of rapid prototyping and manufacturing services that offers precision parts made on a wide range of traditional and additive manufacturing systems and a variety of finishing, molding and casting capabilities.

and that's not all:

Concurrently, 3D Systems announced the launch of 3Dproparts™, the world’s largest Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing parts service. The company expects its 3Dproparts™ service to bring together the widest range of production and additive grade materials and the latest additive and traditional manufacturing systems to enable 3D Systems to deliver to its customers the broadest available range of precision plastic and metal parts and assemblies.

So with that 3D Systems instantly becomes a rather huge service provider. 3Dproparts claims "Single source all your design to manufacturing needs", "Instant Quote same day shipping" and "Extra-large high-definition single piece parts - up to 150cm" and "Access the latest solutions and technology".

We're wondering what 3D Systems had for breakfast, because we want some too. With these two additions and the service announcement, 3D Systems seems to be addressing the product, service and consumer areas simultaneously. Somehow we think this isn't the last time we'll be writing about 3D Systems.

Via 3D Systems (Hat tip to Katharina)

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Tuesday
01Sep2009

Desktop Factory Resurrected

DateTuesday, September 1, 2009 |

 
We've been following the saga of Desktop Factory for quite some time, beginning with its promising start attempting to manufacture the first commercial high-quality 3D printer with a price less than USD$5,000. More recently though, they've had severe financial difficulties, possibly related to the economic climate of late.

Last month CEO Cathy Lewis announced they were shutting operations and seeking a buyer. Today, September 1st, they've announced the identity of the successful buyer: 3D Systems, well-known makers of higher-priced 3D printers.

According to Cathy Lewis' post, 3D Systems have "acquired the key assets including intellectual property, know-how and tools" of Desktop Factory, which suggests they haven't acquired everything outright. Apparently the "key" staff at Desktop Factory will end up with 3D Systems.

Is this a good thing? We think yes. Desktop Factory's vision was and still is compelling. While there are inexpensive 3D printers available today, they are kits most suitable for those handy with tools and not general consumers. If the 3D printing space is to be truly opened up, it needs an easy-to-use consumer-grade 3D printer, and that's what we're now expecting 3D Systems to produce. As Cathy says, "they have the resources and desire to deliver on the promise of a truly low cost, easy to use 3-D printer."

Our best wishes to everyone at Desktop Factory!

Via Desktop Factory

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Wednesday
03Jun2009

V-Flashed

DateWednesday, June 3, 2009 |

 
Quite a while ago we wrote on 3D Systems's upcoming V-Flash Desktop 3D printer. At the time it was only in Beta, but now it's available for purchase by anyone. According to 3D Systems's press release:
  • It's the very first commercial 3D Printer priced at less than USD$10,000 (actually it's USD$9,900, we're told)
  • Produces hard-plastic models
  • Compact size and quiet operation - it actually will fit on a desk, almost. 26x27 (660x685mm) inches and 146lbs (66Kg) (we're checking our desk's legs now)
  • "Exceptional fine-feature details"
  • One-year warranty

3D Systems has a companion service for V-flash modeling support at Modelin3d.com. From there you can find a reseller and get started.

Via 3D Systems

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Tuesday
23Dec2008

There's Another Stereolithography Vat In Town

DateTuesday, December 23, 2008 |


While we're on the topic of giant stereolithography printers, we've just been tipped onto a video of another. This one is the iPro 9000 XL, evidently the largest commmercially available SL system. Amazingly, the build chamber is a 59 inch long vat full of liquid manufacturing media.

Somehow we just don't find SL videos as visually interesting as other 3D deposition techniques. That's because all you see during the printing process is the laser dancing over the liquid media vat, while the printed object is developed out of view under the liquid surface. However, there is a dramatic moment when the object rises magically out of the fluid, as if it is being created at that instant.

Via 3D Systems

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