What appears to be a first in 3D printer technology for rapid prototyping is the ability to fabricate parts and assemblies made of multiple materials-such as hard and soft resins-in a single build cycle, which eliminates the need to glue together separate parts. Developed by Objet Geometries in Israel (U.S. offi ce in Billerica, Mass.), the PolyJet Matrix Technology was introduced at the K 2007 show in Germany. It saves time in constructing multi-material prototypes, which can prevent expensive errors in designing complex molds for multi-material injection molding. The technology works by jetting two distinct Objet FullCure photopolymer materials in preset combinations. It controls every nozzle in each print head, enabling combinations of model materials to be jetted from designated nozzles according to location and model type. It is thereby possible to produce models where one material is partly or fully encapsulated by another material. Moreover, the technology allows for the creation of new combined materials by simultaneously jetting two photopolymers to produce an alloy with mechanical properties different from either of the "parent" materials. The first PolyJet Matrix-based 3D printing system is the Connex 500 model, said to provide smooth surface finish and fine details in all dimensions. It can print 600 x 900 dpi with a tolerance of 0.3 mm over large models. It builds in three modes, which deposit layers of 16 or 30 micron thickness at speeds from 12 to 20 mm/hr. Users can select material, printing speed and resolution and easily switch between different modes. (877) 489-9449 . www.2objet.com
Objet Geometries Inc.
5 Fortune Drive Billerica, MA 01821
Phone ? Fax (866) 676-1533