Prototyping system produces 3D workpieces

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 8, 2006

Rapid prototyping system produces accurate, smooth and durable three dimensional workpieces using photopolymer-jetting technology.

Rapid prototyping technology from Objet is available to UK design, research and development specialists through Unimatic Engineers.

Objet has appointed Unimatic as its exclusive agent for the education and research sectors in the UK and Ireland.

Objet's Eden Rapid Prototyping system produces accurate, smooth and durable three dimensional workpieces, using Polyjet T photopolymer-jetting technology.

With this, a dispensing head traverses back and forth laying down 16um layers to build up the design in three dimensions.

"Rapid prototyping technology is changing all the time," said Unimatic's Liron Noy.

"And the Polyjet advances the state of the art on several fronts".

Polyjet users in Europe include VW, Audi, BMW, Opel, Bosch-Siemens, Playmobil, Ford, Logitech and Gillette.

The latest generation of Polyjet accurately jets 600 x 300 pixels in thin layers that dry almost instantly, so that the design is quickly created.

In use, the jetting head slides back and forth along the x-axis, like a line printer, depositing a single layer of photopolymer onto the build tray.

Immediately after building each layer, ultraviolet bulbs alongside the jetting bridge emit UV light so that each layer is cured and hardened before the deposition of the next.

The jetting block uses eight heads and software tools that let all the heads work in harmony, synchronously jetting identical amounts of resin onto the tray.

The result - a perfectly smooth and even surface.

Two different materials are used for building: one material is used for the actual model, while a second, gel-like photopolymer material is used for support.

When the model is completed, a water jet removes this support material.

"We have demonstrated the Polyjet to many people who already use our material cutting machines and the reaction is incredibly positive," said Noy.

"Everybody is impressed by the sophistication and quality of the workpieces we can make, and most immediately think of something specific they would like to do with it".