Push the limits of what is possible in 3D printing with the new Objet1000 Plus. Made by Stratasys, the Objet1000 can create parts for prototyping or production that will not fit in the typical build envelope. Stratasys first shared the news on 3Dprint.com and now the Objet1000 is available for use by Fathom customers. This PolyJet-based 3D production system features the multi-material capabilities of the Connex Series and boasts an enormous build tray for parts up to one meter long. Print large parts in multiple materials and colors for prototyping or production.
The Objet1000 is a PolyJet 3D printer. PolyJet is a one of a handful of additive manufacturing techniques that allows operators to print parts with multiple materials in a single build. “The range of materials is quite extensive,” notes Ron Ellenbogen, Stratasys Product Marketing Director. From rubber-like materials to Digital ABS to various Shore A levels, up to 14 material properties are possible on a single part. Parts can be produced with varying materials and colors. PolyJet technology is capable of creating smooth surfaces, thin walls, and complex geometries with tight tolerances.
The Objet1000 takes PolyJet to the next level by expanding the build envelope and allowing designers to create large parts without the need for assemblies. “It’s incredibly large,” said Veronica De La Rosa, Lead Industrial Designer at Stratasys. “You can already imagine all the different industries that could probably take advantage of this. I could see automotive, aviation … also furniture design. I think a lot of the times, people will print small-scale objects to get a sense of what their design intent will look like, but they can actually do something at true scale, 1:1, which is a really great advantage.”
The bigger Objet1000 takes Polyjet manufacturing to a whole new level. Bethany Casarez an Applications Engineer notes, “the Objet1000 Plus is not simply a larger version of the current machines. They’ve actually done stuff to the hardware to improve the speed and movement so that you get print times to a reasonable amount, even though it’s a larger build size.”
PolyJet is ideal for prototyping with different iterations but is quickly moving to service low- to medium-volume production runs. “What’s exciting about the Objet1000 Plus is that it’s a clear signal that additive manufacturing and direct digital manufacturing is on the rise. It’s going to be the future and that is an important message to send out. The impact of the Objet1000 Plus is going to go far beyond the customers who actually install one, but it’s going to generate that excitement and enthusiasm in the community that will help propel additive manufacturing,” said Carlo Quiñonez, Director of Research.
How Does PolyJet 3D Printing Work?
PolyJet is photopolymer-based jetting process that distributes material droplets, layer-by-layer, onto a build platform. The process is similar to the operation of an ink jet printer. After the PolyJet printer distributes a layer of material, a flash of UV light immediately cures the droplets. By the end of the build process, the object will be fully cured and can be handled immediately without post-processing. This technology includes use of a gel-like support material, designed to enable complex geometries like internal structures and over hangs. The support material is removed after the build process by soaking the part in water to dissolve the gel or water jetting to forcefully remove the gel.
Find out if the Objet1000 or PolyJet technology is right for your next project by speaking with the experts at Fathom. Or start your job right now with an online quote.
