Could 3D printers speed up enterprise production?
Heading a list of innovations unveiled by 3D Systems for 2018 is the industry's first scalable, fully integrated production platform for plastic and metal parts, providing manufacturers true factory solutions for durable, repeatable end-use parts.
The company's new Figure 4 modular, scalable platform produces small, plastic parts with up to 15x throughput improvements versus competitive offerings, and up to 20% lower part cost than current manufacturing processes.
3D Systems also unveiled a next-generation additive metal platform for high productivity factory production of metal parts, including seamless large parts and the largest diameter parts available in the industry.
The new DMP 8500 Factory Solution features integrated powder management and a closed-loop system to ensure uniform, repeatable part quality, providing customers with a lower total cost of operation.
Similar to Figure 4, the new DMP 8500 Factory Solution has a modular design that reduces required capital equipment and maximises utilisation.
3D Systems has also bolstered its current line of leading SLS production systems with the ProX SLS 6100, as well as introduced three new nylon materials
New production SLS materials include DuraForm FR1200 fire retardant nylon, DuraForm EX BLK nylon 11 and DuraForm AF+ aluminum-filled nylon.
Thus this offering is quickly presenting itself as one of the quickest and most efficient means of production.
