3D printers with software and workstation equipment

SLS 3D printer

The printer performs models with the use of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology. This printing method is based on sintering the powder using a laser beam, turning it from solid into liquid, then back to solid, thus obtaining a sinter. Printing of a model does not require any supporting elements, other than the unsintered powder. This may be used to create complex shapes and spatial structures with a minimum wall thickness of a fraction of millimetre. SLS printers have the greatest production potential due to several very important advantages: no props, wide range of materials, high print accuracy ( +/- 0.05 mm). Model generated by this printer can be used by design studios and prototype departments in creating conceptual and useful models. Proposed applications include: mobile prototypes, machine parts and their drives, spare parts for household apliances, interior design, jewellery, accessories and manyothers.

Advantages of SLS technology:

high durability of printed parts, comparable to injection moulded elements;
wall thickness up to 0.1 mm;
high dimensional accuracy and repeatability of printed elements;
relatively good surface quality;
wide range of materials, including CIP casting materials ( polystyrene).

Application:

medical industry;
airline industry;
automobile industry;
moulding;
electrical industry;
creating custom tools;
works of art, architecture;
prototyping of platic parts with high mechanical strenght.

Basic parameters of SLS 3D printers: printing device using SLS technology; minimum dimensions of the operating chamber: 320x320x600 [mm]; layer thickness: 0.13/0.15/0.18; printing speed: 10 to 25 mm/h; laser spot: 0,25 mm; maximum scanning speed: 13000 mm/sec; laser power: at least 60W; polyamide powder feeder – twin- chamber; compressed air powered powder mixer; operating chamber secured against opening during the printing process; polyamide powder feeder isolated from the printing chamber.

CAD software: direct reading and editing of 3D models from other CAD systems, including CATIA, Inventor, NX, Creo and Solidworks; import and export of STP, STL, IGES, Parasolid, DWG, DXF and SAT files; export of PDF files with embedded 3D models; hybrid modelling; generation of Class A surfaces; dynamic morphing and wrapping functions; automatic generation of 2D documentation with projections, cross – sections and dimentions; compatibility with STL files, point cloud, conversation into surfaces and 3D models; preparation of models for processing , creation of surfaces based on point clouds and repair/patching functions; 3D printer support.

Software for editing and correction of STL files: grid view (coloured part and surface view; file browser with preview; analysis of the parts; STL import/export; measurement of parts; extended analyses; collision control; model movement, rotation, alignment features; scale, mirror, offset, surface features; densification of triangles; cutting in user-defined plane; cutting surface of parts; cavities and sockets in parts; illumination of errors; logical operations; effective repair of parts; redefinition of selected triangles; smoothing of selected triangles; multipart measurement; removing unnecessary points, collision detection).

3SP 3D printer

3SP ( Scan, Spin and Selectively Photocure) technology is the generation of objects using laser-cured resins. 3SP technology uses the properties of plastics susceptible to photopolymerization. Precision resin curing allows to accurately reproduce the internal structure and shape of models. The main advantage of 3SP technology is very high precision of the models ( layer thickness of up to 0.03 mm, accuracy in X, Y axes – 0.025 mm). This technology is especially suitable in places where accuracy is the key. The materials used in 3SP printing are resilient and have the ability to simulate many thermoplastics. Resins used for 3SP printing also feature high thermal resistance, ability to simulate the wax and may be used in the CIP method. They are also able to simulate popular thermoplastics such as ABS, PC, PE, PP and many others. Revolutionary 3D printing technology – 3SP allows to significantly accelerate the process of printing, as compared to SLA technology. 3SP printers are mainly dedicated to customers such as jewellers and dentists, as well as general industry, airlines and medicine.

Large format 3SP printer at the Aeropolis research laboratory enables production of extremely large 3D models at high speed, with attention to detail and without sacrificing surface quality. It features a 457x457x457 mm printing chamber and special software facilitating professional setting of models on the workbench as well as generation of special supporting structures. Models printed using 3SP technology do not show any grooves on their surface, as is typical in the case of incremental technology. The most significant advantage of 3SP printing is very high accuracy of the models – their layer thickness reaches even 0.03 mm and accuracy in X, Yaxes – 0,025 mm.

Advantages:

minimal material waste;
single material is used for model building and supporting structures;
the system features an autonomous computer enbling fast operation without the need to synchronise additional software;
multi – material device – runs on seven types of resins;
plug-and-play device with a built-in touch screen;
very few moving parts in the machine – convenient for the user;
layerless – technology without grooves.

Basic parameters of 3SP 3D printers: printing device using 3SP technology; minimum dimensions of the operating chamber: 457x457x457 [mm]; minimum printing speed around the workbench: 8mm/h; minimum scanning speed: 64000 mm/sec.; printing materials also used as supporting material during the printing process; printing materials consisting of at least 7 difrent resins, including prosthetic; device equipped with software for generating supporting structures.