ZBuilder Ultra Introduced

By on June 21st, 2010 in printer

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It’s a brand new, lower-cost option from ZCorp for building objects – but it uses a very different approach. It’s not like their 3D printers, which use a fused-powder technique. Instead the ZBuilder Ultra uses “a high-resolution Digital Light Processor (DLP) projector to solidify a liquid photopolymer”, similar to laser sintering. 
 
Here’s the specifications highlights:
 
  • Accuracy within 0.2mm
  • Simplified mechanics: only the Z-platform moves; the DLP illumination handles the X-Y axis
  • Extremely fine detail: minimum feature size is only 138 microns, due to the DLP resolution. Smooth!
  • Apparently twice as fast as competing systems
  • Each layer operation is the same in duration, as the DLP lights up the entire surface at once; no extra waiting if you’re printing several parts
  • Reasonably generous build size 26.0 x 16.0 x 19.0 cm
 
We’re quite intrigued with this new “parallel” building approach, which upon some thought seems a lot more like “printing” than “depositing”. Perhaps this speedy new approach will be used in other devices to come? 
 
The new 163Kg (360 lb) device will be available in July at a cost of USD$34,900. That’s a lot more than hobbyists can afford, but the unique features of this device will surely be attractive to many manufacturing companies. 
 
Via ZCorp

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!

2 comments

  1. "We’re quite intrigued with this new "parallel" building approach, which upon some thought seems a lot more like "printing" than "depositing". Perhaps this speedy new approach will be used in other devices to come? ‘

    Come on…are you actually intrigued. If you are actually in the industry you know this is the Envisiontec Ultra machine that has been around for a couple years. nothing new but the color and the logo on front. It is nice that this technology is finally getting some more press because it is being private labeled by ZCorp, but you can’t honestly think this is a new technology.

  2. "We’re quite intrigued with this new "parallel" building approach, which upon some thought seems a lot more like "printing" than "depositing". Perhaps this speedy new approach will be used in other devices to come? ‘

    Come on…are you actually intrigued. If you are actually in the industry you know this is the Envisiontec Ultra machine that has been around for a couple years. nothing new but the color and the logo on front. It is nice that this technology is finally getting some more press because it is being private labeled by ZCorp, but you can’t honestly think this is a new technology.

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