Rapid Prototyping Details Improved

Manufacturing Engineering, Jul 2004

Enhanced fused deposition modeling (FDM) systems from Stratasys Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN) increase feature detail and surface-finish smoothness of parts produced using its T-Class rapid prototyping systems, the FDM Titan and FDM Vantage.

The FDM Titan's highest modelresolution setting, called 5-mil (0.005'' or 0.127 mm), is available for use with ABS plastic modeling material. Updating is available for FDM Vantage System users who want to increase modeling resoluton with ABS plastic, and brings the modeling resolution of the FDM Titan into a similar quality range as the company's high-end FDM Maxum system.

This update produces a 50% increase over the previous ABS modeling resolution of 0.010'' (0.25 mm). As a result, Vantage users can build models with features as fine as 0.020'' (0.58 mm) on a functional prototype. The refined high-res setting will be standard on new Titan and Vantage systems.

For both T-Class machines, the company has also made a 7-mil (0.007'' or 0.178-mm) setting available for ABS material. Previously, the 7-mil setting was available only for use with polycarbonate modeling material on those machines. Present owners of FDM Titan machines will receive the 5-mil update free of charge. Circle 202