3D Systems launches new thermojet material

Citation

(2001), "3D Systems launches new thermojet material", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773bad.018

3D Systems launches new thermojet material

3D Systems launches new thermojet material

Keywords 3D Systems, Modelling, Thermoplastics, CAD, Design

3D Systems Europe Limited is launching ThermoJet 2000, a new, described as an advanced, thermopolymer material for its ThermoJet solid object printer. The new material is said to combine flexibility with durability, further expanding the scope of application for the ThermoJet printer, which converts 3D CAD designs into solid models using a process which is similar to inkjet.

ThermoJet deposits thin layers of molten thermoplastic to build up a solid object with excellent surface finishes. Designers and engineers can hold, evaluate and review designs at all phases of a product's lifecycle, collaboration throughout the supply chains is improved and time to market is reduced.

ThermoJet is currently being used in the design offices of companies such as Hasbro and Nissan and in numerous other blue-chip manufacturers. 3D Systems considers that it leaves nothing to chance when developing a new product. A group of ThermoJet customers tested the material to evaluate its benefits before it was released. One customer was able to take conceptual models of sports equipment and try them on to evaluate fit and feel.

BOC Edwards was one of the first companies to test the new ThermoJet material and Duncan Lee, managing director of BOC says:

ThermoJet allows our designers to communicate concepts more effectively and quickly. Being involved in the new ThermoJet material test programme has allowed us to compare it directly with what we were already using. We based our decision to invest in ThermoJet technology on the enhanced properties offered by the new material.

According to Brian Service, president and chief executive officer of 3D Systems, materials development for both industrial and office product lines continues to be a top priority for 3D Systems. "The new ThermoJet material is another example of our commitment to creating choices of materials to satisfy market needs. We are constantly investigating ways to produce products and materials that bring greater functionality and value to our customers."

Duncan Lee of BOC agrees:

We use our models as communication and design verification tools, though we have also had components investment cast directly from ThermoJet models. This flexibility of use, combined with the improved model resilience, has meant that ThermoJet has become an invaluable tool in our development process.

Further details are available from 3D Systems Europe Ltd, 7DW. Tel: +44 (0)1442 282600; Fax: +44 (0)1442 282601; E-mail: watmoughm@3dsystems.co.uk