ROCK HILL, SC, Aug 28, 2018 – 3D Systems announced the availability of its new Figure 4 Standalone 3D printer, an affordable solution for functional prototyping and low volume production. Figure 4 Standalone enables same-day functional prototyping iteration and low volume production at speeds up to 100mm per hour — with six sigma repeatability. The statistical result is stated as Cpk > 2, where Cpk is the process capacity index.
Figure 4 Standalone
“With Figure 4, 3D Systems is delivering the fastest, most accurate 3D printing technology available,” said Phil Schultz, senior vice president, general manager, on-demand manufacturing and plastics, 3D Systems. “The combination of speed and accuracy complemented by a light-based UV curing process, which takes minutes versus hours required by heat-based curing processes, enables ultra-fast throughput and time-to-part.”
3D Systems has developed a portfolio of materials to complement the Figure 4 Standalone 3D printer. The materials enable creation of parts for rapid design iteration, functional prototypes and low volume production with exceptional durability, elasticity, and functionality.
- Figure 4 TOUGH-GRY 10 is a high-speed material for rapid design iterations providing up to 100 mm/hr build speed.
- Figure 4 TOUGH-GRY 15 is a strong, rigid material for production applications.
- Figure 4 ELAST-BLK is an elastomeric black material ideal for iteration and design verification of flexible parts.
- Figure 4 JCAST-GRN is a castable, green material optimized for investment casting of jewelry patterns.
Figure 4 Standalone includes 3D Systems’ 3D Sprint, providing customers with advanced software support for preparation, editing, printing, and management, while also eliminating the need for ownership of costly third-party software. 3D Sprint helps customers mitigate errors and improve efficiency within their workflow.
3D Systems also plans to integrate 3D Connect, a cloud-based software solution, into its Figure 4 platform. 3D Connect includes two modules: 3D Connect Service, designed for remote diagnostics, and 3D Connect Manage for fleet management. 3D Connect’s proactive and preventative capabilities will enable customers to increase uptime, lower operating costs and improve efficiencies.
Figure 4 Standalone is already receiving positive reviews from beta customers.
“The speed of the Figure 4 Standalone, coupled with the quality of the printed parts, make this a must have for any R&D and design department,” commented Dana Taylor, design engineer consultant for LumiraDx, a leading manufacturer of innovative point-of-care diagnostic medical devices. “With Figure 4 Standalone, we were able to get functional prototype parts in hours for same-day testing as compared to what used to take a week or more by using outside print services through the ordering, quoting, printing and shipping cycles. In addition to speed, Figure 4 Standalone prints parts that are ready to use with an exceptional surface finish, and with the accuracy and tight tolerances needed for fit, form and function testing.”
“Figure 4 Standalone is enabling customers to address a broad range of applications with speed, accuracy and repeatability – helping them redefine their manufacturing workflows from initial part design to end-part production to maintain their competitive advantage,” said Vyomesh Joshi, president and chief executive officer, 3D Systems. “Repeatability is key when thinking about part production. With our Figure 4 platform – including Figure 4 Standalone – customers have the ability to scale from prototyping to production with unprecedented accuracy and repeatability. The results and positive reviews we have received are testament to the game-changing nature of this 3D printing solution.”
3D Systems’ Figure 4 Standalone is currently available and priced at $21,900 (US)/€19.900 (EU Countries), £18.900 (UK).
Figure 4 Standalone is one available configuration in the Figure 4 portfolio. 3D Systems designed Figure 4 in configurable units for scalability, enabling manufacturing capacity to grow alongside demand in the customer’s environment. Manufacturers can grow with the technology from Figure 4 Standalone for rapid prototyping and low volume direct 3D production, to Figure 4 Modular that scales as parts demand grows, up to Figure 4 Production for a fully-automated, fully-integrated factory solution.
About 3D Systems
3D Systems is the originator of 3D printing and an innovator of future 3D solutions. It has spent its 30-year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring groundbreaking products to market and drive new business models. This is achieved with the Company’s best of breed digital manufacturing ecosystem. It’s comprised of plastic and metal 3D printers, print materials, on-demand manufacturing services and end-to-end manufacturing software solutions. Combinations of these products and services address a variety of advanced applications- ranging from aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods to medical, dental, and jewelry. For example, 3D Systems’ precision healthcare capabilities include simulation, virtual surgical planning, and printing of medical and dental devices as well as patient-specific surgical instruments.
More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.