Rapid prototype machine projects image of part.A new rapid-prototyping machine uses a digital projector See data projector. to shine an image of a CAD "slice" of a part onto a liquid photopolymer A photopolymer is a polymer which is cured by exposure to light, often in the ultraviolet spectrum. These polymers are useful in dentistry for fillings and in rapid prototyping in the stereolithography and PolyJet processes. . This differs from stereolithography The first 3D printing technology, which was pioneered by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems. See 3D printing. , which traces a path over the photopolymer with a moving laser beam. The Vanquish FC (Flash Cure) DLP (Digital Light Processing) A data projection technology from TI that produces clear, readable images on screens in lit rooms. DLP is used in all types of projection devices, from data projectors that weigh only a few pounds to large rear-projection TVs to electronic (Direct Light Process) from Germany's Envisiontec GmbH is sold here by Envisiontec, Inc., Ferndale, Mich. The machine is priced at $159,000, and theoretically has the capability to run faster than the traditional RP technologies. The current limitation is that there is currently only one material available for it. Parts made with that material are said to be durable and to have good surface detail. Envisiontec is producing machines in the U.S. The company started out with an earlier RP machine, the Perfactory. That smaller machine also uses DLP technology but projects light from beneath the material rather than above. Tel: (248) 582-0038 * www.envisiontec.com |
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