The next chapter in additive technology is written by Figure 4 technology – a new manufacturing solution using non-contact membrane DLP (Digital Light Printing), state-of-the-art plastic resins, and a light-based UV curing process that takes minutes versus hours with heat-based curing processes. Article by 3D Systems.
The system architecture of Figure 4 enables superior final part and material quality, including improvements to toughness, durability, high temperature deflection and elastomeric properties.
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This is possible due to the speed of the non-contact membrane process combined with the low static volume print tray, which allows for more highly reactive material chemistries that might not be achievable with other photopolymer 3D printing methods.
Fastest throughput via technology
Extensive testing* shows the Figure 4 system offers print speeds up to 100mm/hr (Table 1).
These print rates remain constant regardless of how many parts are being built due to the non-contact membrane DLP technology that powers the 3D Systems’ Figure 4 platforms.
Taking the fast curing process into consideration, Figure 4 enables a time to first part-in-hand (printed, cured, washed, dried) of 160 minutes (2.67 hours) in draft print mode, or less in standard print mode (Table 2). This is a newly achieved benchmark in the 3D printing industry.
Here it is important to note the critical distinction between throughput and raw print speed. True industrial 3D printing throughput must account for the print process, any required curing time, as well as other post-printing requirements (such as washing or drying).
Only when the part is ready for manufacturing or shipping can it be considered complete. Print technologies that offer fast raw print speeds but require extended cure times can be highly deceptive. A 3D printing process must be looked at holistically to determine the true productivity that is possible.
Fastest throughput via scalability
Early benchmark testing by 3D Systems shows that within 11 days, eight Figure 4 Standalone printers can turn out 10,000 units of a textured automotive vent. In those same 11 days the injection molding process would still be in the mold design stage.
The CAD-to-production speed of digital molding makes it ideal for Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) or bridge manufacturing. Companies can go to market faster, with the option to convert to injection molding to ramp up volume as demand grows.
Figure 4 Standalone is an affordable and versatile solution for low volume production, and fast prototyping in the tens and hundreds of parts per month.
With a compact and easy-to-use design, Figure 4 Standalone delivers ultra-fast speed at an affordable price and low total cost of operation.
Much like digital photography, digital printing, and digital video, digital molding with Figure 4 is the result of combining complementary technologies to achieve a result greater than the sum of its parts. Advances in CAD software, 3D printing technology, materials science, and robotics—along with new tools for digital texturing— come together in the Figure 4 digital molding platform.
Fastest throughput, highest accuracy
Figure 4 delivers the fastest DLP 3D printing in the industry with repeatability that is unmatched. Test results show that Figure 4 offers print speeds up to 100 mm/hr—at six sigma repeatability. The statistical result is stated as Cpk > 2, where Cpk is the process capacity index. A result of 2 or higher is considered a “six sigma” quality process (Image 3A).
Cpk is a statistical measure of the ability to produce output within specification limits. Cpk takes into consideration how much natural variation a process experiences relative to the specified limits. Using a standard statistical measurement allows different processes to be compared without ambiguity.
To establish a Cpk value for the Figure 4 3D printing platform (Image 3B), tests were run on eight machines individually. Cpk testing requires running 30 samples. The test part was printed on each Figure 4 printer and measured using micrometres four times; the average was used for the statistical sample.
Next the physical model was adjusted, and new objects were printed and measured again. The results for each printer from both runs were given their own results chart. The combined results scored 2 or higher, establishing six sigma quality in the repeatability of the process. Certain individual results scored Cpk = 1.94, which is not a six sigma result, but remains much higher than the other nearest standard of 1.67 for “safety or critical parameter for a new process”.
Designed To Fit Your Production Needs
An integral part of the solution is the 3D Sprint additive manufacturing software which supports the preparation and optimisation of CAD data and then manages the additive manufacturing process on Figure 4 3D printers.
With a broad set of additive manufacturing preparation, editing and management tools, 3D Sprint enables a significantly decreased cost of ownership of Figure 4 by reducing the need for software seats by third party vendors. 3D Sprint’s single user interface delivers the tools needed to go from design to 3D print.
With standard 3D data translators provided, import and repair of 3D meshes is enabled. Access to a wide range of 3D editing tools supports immediate printability analysis, and takes advantage of the built-in, intelligent software to optimise part placement and supports for your 3D printer. 3D Sprint’s management and monitoring tools allow engineers to accurately estimate print time and optimise material levels and usage both before and during the print operation.
Management of print queues, job priorities, and monitoring of printers enables immediate understanding of all print jobs, helping to reduce total cost of operations.
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