Acu-Cast Technologies, a sub-contract provider of rapid prototyping and short-run manufacturing services, has invested in a Viper Pro SLA system from 3D Systems for creating parts with excellent definition, accuracy, surface finish and a maximum part size that is ordinarily associated with CNC machining.
3D Systems Corporation reports that Acu-Cast Technologies, a leading one-stop shop specialising in rapid prototyping and short-run manufacturing, has purchased a Viper Pro SLA system to expand its large-part manufacturing capabilities.
With fast speed and excellent detail, the Viper Pro stereolithography system creates parts with the excellent definition, accuracy, surface finish and a maximum part size that is ordinarily associated with CNC machining. This system provides clean changeover of materials as well as remote operation and monitoring.
Acu-Cast Technologies, which is located in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, USA, with a complete suite of in-house services including aluminium and zinc casting, plastic urethane casting, SLA, SLS and high-speed CNC machining, has expanded its rapid prototyping and manufacturing business with the purchase of a 3D Systems' Viper Pro SLA system. In 2006 it purchased two high-speed Sinterstation HiQ SLS systems to keep up with high customer demand for RP services.
Additional stereolithography capacity
Gary D Mitchell, owner of Acu-Cast Technologies, says: "Building off the success we have experienced with the two SLS machines we purchased from 3D Systems, we felt the need for additional capacity in our existing stereolithography department.
"We strive to give our customers what they ask for, and they wanted larger parts with good detail, quickly. With the Viper Pro system, we are adding capacity to our in-house prototyping solutions while answering our customers' needs. We use several 3D Systems' resins, including the latest Accura materials, to give our customers fast, precision prototyping as part of our mission to become an extension of our customers' design, tool room and manufacturing departments."
Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' president and chief executive officer, states: "3D Systems works to bring the newest and best technology to part users and to provide first-class service bureaus like Acu-Cast with the capacity to succeed and improve their bottom line. Gary is a real visionary who built his business on vertical integration, the latest technology, high quality and personal interaction. With this investment, Acu-Cast Technologies demonstrates yet again its commitment to bringing the latest technology to its customers. It is an honour and a privilege to work with such a fine partner. We look forward to continuing to build our relationship with this innovative company."
