Realistic Part Manufacturing 3D Printing

Old Technologies: Stereo lithography Stereolithography (SLA) is often considered the pioneer of the Rapid Prototyping industry with the first commercial system introduced in 1988 by 3D Systems. The system consists of an Ultra-Violet Laser, a vat of photo-curable liquid resin, and a controlling system.

Old Technologies: Stereo lithography cont. A platform is lowered into the resin (via an elevator system), such that the surface of the platform is a layer-thickness below the surface of the resin. The laser beam then traces the boundaries and fills in a two-dimensional cross section of the model, solidifying the resin wherever it touches. Once a layer is complete, the platform descends a layer thickness, resin flows over the first layer, and the next layer is built. This process continues until the model is complete.

Old Technologies: Stereo lithography cont. Once the model is complete, the platform rises out of the vat and the excess resin is drained. The model is then removed from the platform, washed of excess resin, and then placed in a UV oven for a final curing. The model is then finished by smoothing the "stair-steps."

Z Corp’s 3D Printer Click here to view information and see Z Corp's Spectrum Z510 System. Click here to view information and see Z Corp's Spectrum Z510 System.

Who is Using it Motorola Sony Fisher-Price NASA Lockheed Martin Northrop Grumman Adidas Ford Disney U.S. Military Medical industries TTU – Classroom learning, research MTSU - Research MIT - contract with Z-Corp to test run each machine made

New Applications Using MRI and CAT scans to make 3D models for pre-operative planning, implant fit, and medical education using Mimics-Z. Producing accurate topographical models for the military to plan operations in unfamiliar territory. Military will use it to produce special situational weapons for special forces.

Topographical representations The military as well as search and rescue teams are requesting this technology to be better acquainted with the territory they will be fighting or searching in. Other fields such as geology or surveying can find this technology useful as well.

Software Mimics Z software allows you to model for medical applications. ZEdit Software can be used to model many different parts for many applications, both 2D and 3D. Click here to read more about the Mimics Z Software. Click here to read more about the Mimics Z Software.

Sample Parts To see different applications and sample parts, click on this link then on the left hand side of the screen click on the different applications you'd like to view samples of. To see different applications and sample parts, click on this link then on the left hand side of the screen click on the different applications you'd like to view samples of.

Material System Powder – – Starch – – Plaster – – Z-cast – – Sugar Based Binder – – Many other advanced materials can be used to make different qualities of products.

Material System cont. High performance composites can be used to make high quality color parts. Other materials can be added to give the part plastic or rubber-like properties. For Investment casting and Direct casting other materials can be added to make a good casting.

How it Works The Z510 is essentially just like a desktop printer. It uses print heads to inject binder onto a layer of powder on the powder bed below it. There are two separate beds, one for powder and one for the work piece. After a layer is finished, the bed lowers and a new layer of powder is spread and the process begins again.

How it Works continued……. When the part has solidified the loose powder is vacuumed away and the finished part is removed from the machine. Piece is supported by powder so it has no supports and can be machine to remove rough stair steps if any occur.

How it Works continued ….. Click here to view the 7 Steps to create amazing prototypes with the ZPrinter450. Click here to view the 7 Steps to create amazing prototypes with the ZPrinter450.

Z Corp’s 3D Printer Powder and Binder system Full color functionality 10" x 14" x 8“ Build area Layer Thickness.0035” to.008” Prints 2 layers/min color 6/min monochrome

Z 510 Technology Advantages Full color system Quickest build times Lowest cost materials Large range of materials capabilities Many post processing capabilities Easy file input Strength

Downsides / Problems Continuous maintenance Expensive maintenance agreement Expensive hp print heads every time you realign

Z 510 Color system – FEA Ready Any vrml, ply, or stl file that contains color components will upload and print in full color. Color FEA files print to easily enhance communication among project teams and aid in the discovery of design flaws early in the design cycle. Z 510 is capable of full color

Z 510 Print Times Z Corp’s 3D Printers are the fastest RPMs on the market – – Cuts design time – – Rapid tooling capabilities – – Cuts tooling cost – – Its just awesome

Post Processing Capabilities Tooling for Foundry – Z MAX epoxy Elastomeric Parts - Flexible Qualities of rubber Z CAST - Refractory based non-ferrous mold material Investment cast parts Z KOTE - Snap fit parts Electroplated parts RTV molding Click here to view upcoming seminars in your area. Click here to view upcoming seminars in your area.

References Z Corporation website (