3D Systems Introduces the Viper(TM) Pro SLA(R) System, an Advanced, Flexible, High-Capacity Stereolithography Manufacturing System.VALENCIA, Calif. -- 3D Systems Corporation (Nasdaq:TDSC TDSC Thai Development Support Committee TDSC Time Domain Signal Coding TDSC Test Driver System - Charlie TDSC Time-Domain Spreading Code ), a leading provider of rapid 3-D printing, prototyping and manufacturing solutions, announced today that it has introduced the Viper(TM) Pro SLA (1) (StereoLithography Apparatus) See 3D printing. (2) (Service Level Agreement) A contract between the provider and the user that specifies the level of service expected during its term. (R) system, a new, advanced, flexible, high-capacity Stereolithography The first 3D printing technology, which was pioneered by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems. See 3D printing. (SLA(R)) manufacturing system. The modular Viper(TM) Pro SLA(R) system is available in three configurations, including a "dual vat" configuration, which enables customers to build parts from different materials simultaneously, and a single extra-large vat configuration, which enables customers to build parts as large as 1.5 meters. The company expects to begin shipments of the Viper Pro SLA system during the fourth quarter of 2005 and make the extra-large vat available during the first quarter of 2006. The new Viper Pro SLA system enables customers to mass customize and produce high-quality, end-use parts, patterns, wind tunnel wind tunnel, apparatus for studying the interaction between a solid body and an airstream. A wind tunnel simulates the conditions of an aircraft in flight by causing a high-speed stream of air to flow past a model of the aircraft (or part of an aircraft) being tested. models, fixtures and tools consistently and economically. Designed for lights-out, 24/7 operation, the Viper Pro system facilitates maximum capacity utilization Capacity Utilization measures the rate at which a firm makes use of their capital productive capacities, such as factories and machinery. Capacity Utilization generally rises when the economy is healthy and falls when demand softens. and superior part production quality. This state-of-the-art system is loaded with new features designed to enhance functionality and improve up time such as a self leveling recoating system, quick material change, remote machine operation capability, automatic platform changer Changer The name given to a clearing member that is willing to assume the opposite position of a futures contract within a larger alternative exchange, of which it also is a clearing member. , web camera and software that monitors and records part production data. To enable uninterrupted production of consistent quality parts and fast material changeovers, the Viper Pro SLA system features a new and innovative Resin Delivery Module (RDM RDM Ring Deutscher Makler (German Realty Association) RDM Red Mage (Final Fantasy, gaming) RDM Remote Device Management (protocol used in theatre lighting equipment) ) designed for use with 3D Systems' Accura(R) material. Each RDM is an integrated portable material delivery system that contains a resin management system. Equipped with proprietary self aligning and self leveling blade, the removable RDM system automatically adapts and adjusts for changes in operating conditions. The newly developed resin management system automatically detects and cross checks for proper resin type in the system. Built-in quality management features extend the useful life of material by filtering and re-circulating material, thus creating consistent operating conditions during build and idle cycles. The new management system also tracks and reports material yield, as well as volume calculations, notifying the user when to replenish re·plen·ish v. re·plen·ished, re·plen·ish·ing, re·plen·ish·es v.tr. 1. To fill or make complete again; add a new stock or supply to: replenish the larder. 2. the material. Maximum capacity utilization and flexibility is provided through modular user-configurable RDM deployment providing for several different build capacity configurations. The Viper Pro SLA system can be configured con·fig·ure tr.v. con·fig·ured, con·fig·ur·ing, con·fig·ures To design, arrange, set up, or shape with a view to specific applications or uses: to support either one RDM (available in several sizes, including 650mm x 750mm), dual RDMs at the same time or one single extra-large RDM (1,500mm x 750mm) for the production of parts. In a dual RDM configuration maximum utilization of the laser system is implemented by scanning on one RDM while the other is recoating. This greatly improves the efficiency of the system and significantly lowers the cost per part. The innovative and modular RDM design and portability also enables rapid material-type changes, providing customers the ability to manufacture parts from multiple materials quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the dual RDM configuration provides the user with materials choice flexibility, enabling the user to build parts from different materials simultaneously. "Nearly 20 years after the introduction of the very first stereolithography system, we are enormously pleased to introduce the Viper Pro SLA system, a quantum leap quantum leap n. An abrupt change or step, especially in method, information, or knowledge: "War was going to take a quantum leap; it would never be the same" Garry Wills. in SLA technology," said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' president and chief executive officer. "The Viper Pro SLA system reflects our ongoing and relentless commitment to listening to our customers and to capturing and translating their everyday needs into specific enhancements and features that are designed to improve their operations and in turn their bottom line. Working closely with lead users in a variety of industries, we captured several key themes. Our customers are looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. the ability to build larger parts more accurately, with better surface finish and faster. This results in better asset utilization and lowers the production cost of building and finishing parts, all of which helps our customer's bottom line," continued Reichental. "Now, with several available self-contained and portable RDM configurations to choose from, our customers can optimize their capacity requirements economically and efficiently. What's more, the single RDM alone offers nearly double the build area of the largest stereolithography system offering from 3D Systems today while the extra-large RDM represents the largest build envelope available on the market. Not only is the build area larger but recent advances in our proprietary optics and scanning technology enabled significant improvements in surface finish. Now even with large parts production our customers can achieve nearly the same surface finish quality available on our standard Viper SLA system in high-resolution mode. The Viper Pro build speed is not compromised with the high quality resolution and is comparable to the build speed of a SLA 7000 system. "To further enhance performance of the Viper Pro SLA system and to increase our customers' utilization of the system's capacity, we developed an integrated, intelligent and flexible accessories package. A new intelligent materials cartridge (1) See phono cartridge. (2) A removable storage module that contains magnetic disks, optical discs, magnetic tape or memory chips. Cartridges are inserted into slots in the drive, printer or computer. facilitates automatic replenishment replenishment the addition of an appropriate quantity of properly prepared solution containing the correct concentration of chemicals to the developer solutions used in radiography. of material to the system through the RDM. The new Resin Delivery Module provides the user with a comprehensive and integrated material quality and yield management system. "The new resin management system is ideal for users that require a flexible manufacturing system Flexible manufacturing system A factory or part of a factory made up of programmable machines and devices that can communicate with one another. with quick material-type change-over capability and built-in material usage tracking and reporting. "The Viper Pro SLA system is equipped with a series of intelligent detection and feedback controls including sensors and cameras which enable real-time monitoring and automated au·to·mate v. au·to·mat·ed, au·to·mat·ing, au·to·mates v.tr. 1. To convert to automatic operation: automate a factory. 2. system corrections facilitating lights-out operation and remote machine operation. A new automatic platform changer has been developed that enables a finished part to be automatically removed from the machine and a new platform inserted to start a new build. This feature, popular with production CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) See numerical control. CNC - Collaborative Networked Communication machines (known as a 'pallet changer'), is now available on a stereolithography system increasing the utilization of this valuable asset. "We are very proud to deliver this advanced SLA manufacturing system within a few months after the introduction of the Sinterstation(R) Pro SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) See laser sintering and 3D printing. (R) system, our very first SLS manufacturing system. This is another significant building block in our comprehensive strategy to advance the state of rapid manufacturing Building parts out of plastic or metal one layer at a time using a method of additive fabrication such as 3D printing. Multiple pieces, either similar or dissimilar, can be built simultaneously. by providing new and innovative alternatives to today's traditional manufacturing methods," concluded Reichental. See the Viper Pro SLA system at EuroMold 3D Systems plans to display its suite of newly introduced products, including the Viper Pro SLA system, as well as its entire range of system solutions at EuroMold on 30 November to 3 December, 2005, at Frankfurt am Main, Germany, Exhibition Centre. Visit the 3D Systems' booth, Hall 8.0, Stand E 150/D 151. Press Conference to be held at EuroMold 3D Systems will hold a press conference on Thursday, 1 December, 2005, in Room Symmetrie 4 in Hall 8, to discuss 3D Systems' New Developments. Two press conferences will be offered: 10:00 a.m. for German-speaking journalists and 11:00 a.m. for English-speaking journalists. For more information regarding the press conference at EuroMold, please contact Elizabeth Goode via email at goodee@3dsystems.com. About 3D Systems Corporation 3D Systems is a leading provider of rapid 3-D printing, prototyping and manufacturing solutions. Its systems and materials reduce the time and cost of designing products and facilitate direct and indirect manufacturing by creating actual parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used for design communication and prototyping as well as for production of functional end-use parts: Transform your products. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com, or by phoning 888-337-9786, ext. 2882 (or 661-295-5600, ext. 2882 from outside the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. ), or via email at moreinfo@3dsystems.com. |
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