Dell buys landmark rapid prototyping system

Stratasys has installed more rapid prototyping systems than any other manufacturer, worldwide.

Dell has purchased Stratasys' 6000th rapid prototyping system.

Dell became the landmark customer for Stratasys when it installed an FDM Vantage SE in May at its Product Group in Austin, Texas.

Stratasys has installed more rapid prototyping systems than any other manufacturer, worldwide.

Dell decided to purchase the FDM Vantage after using a previous model FDM system for many years, says the Development Group's Senior Engineering Manager, Andrew Moore: "We didn't need to be convinced of its accuracy".

"We proved it to ourselves previously".

"We've been satisfied with the original FDM system, so purchasing a second one was an easy decision".

It was important to Dell that the RP system creates functional, durable models using a variety of high-performance engineering materials like ABS, polycarbonate and PC-ABS, according to Moore.

"The expanded suite of available materials was one of the major reasons for purchase", he says.

"We also liked the machine's large build envelope, which allows us to build almost any size plastic part within our designs in a single build".

Dell's purchase is intended to help the computer firm develop early and speculative prototypes of parts and subsystems for notebook computers, desktop computers and enterprise systems.

"Using FDM, our teams are able to drive rapid iteration and build consensus on design direction", Moore says.

"We have measured essentially 100% material properties parallel to the build and greater than 80% properties perpendicular to the build".

"We take advantage of this in functional parts - particularly where deflection properties are important - like on snap fits".

"Because we can make functional models, we're able to understand design capability and see where improvement is necessary early in the design cycle".

"We are also able to save significant money on parts that would have been machined or rapid prototyped by third-parties".

"This machine will pay for itself well-within the first year".

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