Posted to News on 20th Jan 2007, 16:48
Desktop modeller to offer high quality at a lower cost
3D Systems Corporation is to introduce a revolutionary, fast, simple and compact new office modeller, the V-Flash desktop modeller, in the summer of 2007. This machine can build ready-to-use, three-dimensional models within hours at office, workshop, home or school workstations. The cost-effective model-maker will enable designers, engineers, hobbyists and students to imagine, design and produce their ideas at their desks.
The V-Flash desktop modeller is the first product 3D Systems plans to bring to market in the summer of 2007 that is based on a breakthrough fourth technology platform. This innovative and advanced technology platform enhances 3D Systems' already comprehensive portfolio of rapid 3D printing, prototyping and manufacturing systems. The company's development of cutting-edge proprietary, Film Transfer Imaging (FTI) technology enabled the development of this simple, fast, compact and affordable desktop modeller, a technology that the company expects will surpass all other current technology 3D printers on the market.
Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' president and chief executive officer, states: "The development of the V-Flash desktop modeller represents a significant and important building block in our comprehensive strategy to provide our customers with solutions that transform the way they design and manufacture new products. Today's announcement that the company plans to introduce the revolutionary V-Flash desktop modeller this summer also marks 3D Systems' unveiling of a new disruptive technology platform, a fourth platform we intend to leverage extensively in the coming years to launch additional, innovative solutions. We believe that this disruptive technology platform will enable us to broaden our marketplace reach and accelerate the adoption of this revolutionary technology. The exciting V-Flash desktop modeller is just what our customers have been asking for all along, an easy-to-use, plug-and-play, economical model-maker that expedites part delivery and revolutionises concept design as we know it.
"With the capability to create stereolithography (SLA)-like quality, three-dimensional models in the office, workshop, home or school setting, and the affordability of this solution, we believe that this modeller will usher in a new expansion era of rapid prototyping to a broader range of market applications. As the company that invented SLA technology and pioneered the creation of the entire Rapid Prototyping industry, we are enormously proud, yet again, to lead through another significant technology breakthrough as we make our final plans to commercialise this truly affordable desktop modeller later this summer."
The 25 x 26 x 27 inch V-Flash desktop modeller will weigh about 100 pounds and have a maximum build volume of 7 x 9 x 8 inches tall. With standard power requirements, plug-and-play set-up and simple operation, the V-Flash desktop modeller will be office, workshop, home and school-friendly. It is claimed that models produced on the V-Flash will demonstrate SLA-like accuracy, resolution and quality. The models will be ready for use, testing and verification within hours.
3D Systems also says that the V-Flash desktop modeller will be the most economical machine of its kind at $9900, making it affordable for business, hobby and school users. It will be available in the summer of 2007 in the USA. More information is available at www.modelin3d.com.
