Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Why is the Technology Important?

Designers have always needed to build prototypes, but in the new global economy, pressure is intense and ‘time to market’ is everything. 3D CAD with ‘Additive’ Rapid Prototyping (or 3D Printing) is an essential tool to enable designers to compete. The process sits alongside the more traditional ‘Subtractive’ Rapid Prototyping, and is ideal when designs are too complex to machine, or when the model can be made in tough plastic rather than a specific engineering material. TechSoft are delighted to offer the HP Designjet 3D Printer as well as the Dimension series of machines which have all been specifically designed to provide a clean and quiet way for designers to produce strong and affordable rapid prototypes from their own studio.

Why Do I Need One?

Because rapid prototyping is so important in the modern world of Design and Engineering, we believe that every student should know about it, and have access to a system to see for real what it’s all about. Older students will want to have individual models built for them at sensible cost. A 3D Printer is the ideal machine for a hub centre, LEA resource or Technology Specialism school.

The TechSoft Advantage

Our range of machines use Fused Deposition Modelling (or FDM) to build the model, in thin layers, by extruding a fine filament of molten ABS plastic. As it builds, a second filament is extruded to create a support structure for hollow or overhanging parts of the design. Once complete, the support structure is broken (BST) or dissolved away (SST) leaving a tough, smooth and (for most applications) totally functional finished part. ‘Catalyst EX’ software comes with the machines and accepts .stl format files from SolidWorks, Pro/DESKTOP, etc. Catalyst allows you to ‘tune’ the build, but if you simply import the file and click your way through three set-up windows, you will get a perfectly acceptable model when you click the ‘Print’ button – it really is that easy.

Ideal for Education

We believe that 3D Printers provide by far the most appropriate additive rapid prototyping system for education - there is no mess, models are strong and the machine works quietly looking after itself as it builds. Our range of 3D Printers have proved a phenomenal commercial success world-wide and, now in its fourth generation of machines, you can be assured of proven technology with rock-solid backup and support.

Which Model Is Best for Me?

Beyond budget you need to consider the build-envelope size and how intricate your models are likely to be. Fine details and complex shapes will need soluble support (SST) and perhaps finer slice resolution. All machines build the same high quality, strong parts in ABS so there is no compromise here whichever machine you invest in. For most schools and colleges, the HP Designjet 3D Printer gives all the capacity needed and, with Education Bundles, an economical means to access the latest technology. Although the entry level HP Designjet 3D Printer builds with ivory-colour material, presentation models are typically sanded and painted, so this need not be a major consideration.