3D Printing

3D Systems launches ProJet MJP 5600 among several innovations at RAPID 2017

South Carolina company, 3D Systems has launched several new products at RAPID 2017 in Pittsburgh, including the ProJet MJP 5600, several new materials and software updates.

The announcements come during the first day of the RAPID + TCT conference which has also seen Formlabs announce two post-processing machines and HP make several announcements to encourage global use of HP Multi Jet Fusion.

In addition to this, Materialise has announced a partnership with 3D Systems to combine its hardware with Materialise’s software. The partnership will enable the integration of customised Build Processor software with 3D System’s ProJet CJP printers.

The ProJet MJP 5600. Image via 3D Systems.
The ProJet MJP 5600. Image via 3D Systems.

ProJet MJP 5600

According to 3D Systems, the new ProJet 3D printer offers prints speeds up to two times faster, a larger build volume and produces cheaper parts in relation to its competitors. The company explains it “features best-in-class jetting technology to deliver high-definition parts used for prototyping, functional testing and medical modeling.

Multi-material capabilities allow users to “digitally blend rigid and elastomeric materials at the voxel level to achieve superior mechanical propertiesfor a wide range of applications, including assemblies, rubber-like components, jigs and fixtures, and dies.”

3D printed part produced on the ProJet MJP 5600. Image via 3D Systems.
3D printed part produced on the ProJet MJP 5600. Image via 3D Systems.

Expanding on the 5500X

In relation to its predecessor, “the ProJet MJP 5600 delivers a superior user experience and faster job processing speed over the ProJet MJP 5500X, which it replaces.” The MJP 5600 has a 64-bit OS which means faster processing power, a larger 10-inch display and the ability to slice multiple models simultaneously. 3D Systems expects this to translate into a better user experience compared to the earlier model.

Because of this, 3D Systems will offer an upgrade program for current owners of the ProJet MJP 5500X “to protect their investment and achieve the full functionality of the ProJet MJP 5600.

The ProJet MJP 5600 will be available in June, with the upgrade program beginning in July.

Accompanying the new machine, 3D Systems also announced the VisiJet CR-BK material for the ProJet 5600. This material is a rigid black plastic which features enhanced mechanical performance.

New 3D Sprint 2.5 software

The announcement of the ProJet MJP 5600 coincides with the launch of 3D Sprint 2.5. The updated 3D Sprint software, enables ProJet MJP 5600 users “to assign different material blends to separate shells within a single part.” 

The updated software is aimed at the 3D Systems’ current SLA prnters as well as MJP and CJP printers. According to the company, it offers users time savings, as well as cost savings and improved part quality.

Sprint 2.5 also features ‘Smart Support Technology’ which enables easier removal. The company has referred to this as ‘Tear Away’ since the printed parts can be easily torn from supports on the build platform.

New SLA materials

3D Systems has expanded its SLA materials with Accura HPC and Accura Phoenix. Accura HPC for the ProX 800 “combines superior stiffness with high-throughput production capability for advanced performance applications such as wind tunnel models, assembly and welding fixtures, and other components where exceptional rigidity and abrasion resistance may be critical.”

Accura HPC combines stiffness with high throughput. Image via 3D Systems.
Accura HPC combines stiffness with high throughput. Image via 3D Systems.

While Accura Phoenix for the ProJet 6000 and 7000 is an SLA material that “offers exceptional clarity and high-temperature resistance, making it an excellent choice for high temperature fluid flow visualizations in complex automotive parts and other applications.”

Accura Phoenix has strong clarity and high temperature resistance. Image via 3D Systems.
Accura Phoenix has strong clarity and high temperature resistance. Image via 3D Systems.

Geomagic Freeform 2017

3D Systems also announced hybrid design software in Geomagic Freeform 2017. The software is particularly beneficial for designing for mass customization as it “includes production workflows to speed repeated processes for personalized variations of a design.”

The upgraded software features new abilities in creating 3D text labels. The software will be available in June 2017.

Hearing aid models using 3D labeling tools in Geomagic Freeform 2017. Image via 3D Systems.
Hearing aid models using 3D labeling tools in Geomagic Freeform 2017. Image via 3D Systems.

3DXpert software bundle

3D Systems has also updated  its metal 3D printing software offerings. The company will now ship 3DXpert software as a bundle with all direct metal printers.

Additionally, 3DXpert will now include a ‘Build Simulation’ module that will enable users to verify and optimize designs before sending them to print.

Metal 3D printed part optimized with 3DXpert. Image via 3D Systems.
Metal 3D printed part optimized with 3DXpert. Image via 3D Systems.

The 3D Printing Industry Awards will be taking place this month in London and voting is still open to decide the winners

For the latest 3D printer news, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on twitter

Featured image the new ‘Tear Away’ support function enabled through 3D Sprint. Image via 3D Systems.