Printers Go 3D, Support Various Materials!

Up until now, printing in 3 dimensions has been a dream for quite a lot of printing solutions manufacturers (not to mention users, and especially graphics artists). However, things are changing rapidly in this particular field of technology, and one of the latest and most interesting developments comes from the Israel-based Objet Geometries company, which has just announced the development of the Connex500 3-D Printing System, the first system capable of printing parts and assemblies made of multiple model materials, all in a single build.

The company also announced the development of the Eden500V printing system, which represents a very good solution for large-size model requirements, as well as the small-footprint, cost effective Eden250 3-D printing system. Both systems are based on the PolyJet technology for jetting photopolymer materials, also a specialty of Objet Geometries, whose FullCure line of materials create accurate, clean, smooth and highly detailed 3-dimensional models, according to the company's statement.

In addition, Objet has also revealed the development of a new material technology, dubbed Durus, which enables simulation of the toughness (Notched Izod Impact of 40.22 J/m), flexibility (Elongation at Break of 44.2%), strength (Modulus of Elasticity of 1135 MPa) and resistance to fatigue of polypropylene. Furthermore, parts made using Durus technology look and feel like final products made of polypropylene.

All of these very impressive developments will be presented by the company at the EuroMold 2007 show in Frankfurt, Germany, because, as Adina Shorr, CEO of Objet Geometries, says, "As the premier industry show, EuroMold is the perfect opportunity to enable a wide range of product design and development professionals to experience the most exciting industry development in years." It remains to be seen when these products will actually arrive on the market, but in any case, the would-be customers should have quite a lot of patience (not to mention a lot of money).

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