High Density Part Stacking Figure 4

Transition to Scaled Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) is transitioning from a primarily prototyping tool to scaled manufacturing. This is especially the case for pixel-based 3D printing technologies that already offer high-speed 3D printed parts.

To support this, new 3D printing photopolymer materials are being developed with production-capable properties for use in application-specific industries.

With the advance of production-capable 3D printed photopolymers and greater overall 3D printer workflow productivity, it is now possible to achieve a significant boost in build efficiency.

 

  • Lifecycle Value of Figure 4 3D Printers

  • Adding Value across the Product Lifecycle

    While we recognize that manufacturers will continue to use traditional modes of manufacturing for high volume production, additive manufacturing does become economically viable when significant quantities of initial series production, post-series production and spare parts production is required. With 3D Systems’ printer, material and software technology integrated into your manufacturing process, it now becomes possible to increase manufacturing depth and flexibility and deliver parts cost-efficiently at both ends of the product life cycle.

  • Achieving Isotropic, Repeatable Parts across Batch Jobs

    Reliable Parts Via Batch JobsThe superior isotropic nature of 3D Systems' Figure 4 3D printing technology and materials allows for extra degrees of freedom in preparing parts for optimal print quality and print efficiency. As a result, parts do not need to be oriented in a special way to achieve the highest mechanical properties – which means parts can be tightly stacked for maximum space utilization and volume efficiency.

    Accuracy and repeatability are also functions of 3D printing technology and hardware. 3D System's Figure 4 technology features datum-driven print engine design and factory-calibrated systems that remove large levels of part-to-part or job-to-job variation. 3D Sprint software offers custom calibration to support the complete end-to-end process for a given material/geometry, which includes the customer setup, printing, cleaning, drying, and post cure.

    When combined with production-capable material chemistry and simple post-processing, the result is accuracy, repeatability and cost-effectiveness across high volume plastic part production jobs.

High Density Part Stacking – Supporting Batch-Run Productivity

  • High density part stacking - utilizing 3D Systems’ Figure 4’s printer and 3D Sprint software -- can now enable efficient nesting and a sparse support structure that maximize batch-level printing and minimize manual post-processing times. 

    • Productivity and Efficiency: With 3D Sprint, stacks can be easily generated and supported in 3D Sprint to maximize packing density, reduce post-processing and decrease labor time.
    • Strut Array Generation: Quickly generate and replicate strut supports throughout a stack within 3D Sprint. The open, sparse strut network maximizes solvent washing, air-drying and post-cure process effectiveness for batch manufacturing.
    • Automation Compatible: Perpendicular pinpoint contact strut supports allow for automated clean, dry, cure and removal with minimal human labor. 
  • Figure 4 Industrial Stacking
"By stacking parts we are able to print in batches of 100, and have reduced the time it takes to prepare a build by 80%. The combination of stacking and production-grade materials makes Figure 4 ready for production."
—Gregoire Mercusot, Materials Engineer, ADDLAB, Decathlon

Solutions to Boost Your Additive Plastics Productivity

3D Systems Figure 4 Standalone 3D Printer

Figure 4 Standalone

Ultra-fast and affordable for same day prototyping and low-volume production

Figure 4 Tough 60C White

White plastic for long-term use parts with a good combination of impact strength, elongation, and tensile strength

Figure 4 Tough 65C Black

Black plastic for long-term use parts with a good combination of impact strength, elongation, and tensile strength.

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    Our team can help you solve your most difficult design and production challenges with additive manufacturing solutions. Together we’ll identify your needs, working with you to optimize your designs, prototype, validate and define a manufacturing flow.
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