3D Printing - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is 3D Printing?
2. How does the Dimension® process work?
3. How does 3D Printing fit into the design process?
4. How durable is ABS?
5. Is post-processing required?
6. Are there any special facility requirements necessary to install a Dimension system?
7. Can more than one user process files and print parts on Dimension?
8. Where can I see a Dimension system?
9. What workstation operating system is required to run the system?
10. How can I get software upgrades?
11. Are colored materials available?
12. Why are so many designers choosing Dimension 3D Printers?

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is a broad term used for the process of creating 3D parts and assemblies from CAD models using a machine or 3D printer. Printers vary widely in terms of their capabilities, size and model materials.

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How does the Dimension® process work?

Based on the patented Stratasys FDM® process, Dimension builds functional 3D models from the bottom up, one layer at a time of with tough, durable acrylnitrile butadene styrene (ABS) plastic. STL files are imported into Catalyst® software which automatically slices and orients the parts and creates any necessary support structures. The software automatically plots a precise deposition path for Dimension to follow. ABS plastic (in filament form within auto-loading cartridges) is fed into an extrusion head, heated to a semi-liquid state and accurately deposited in layers as fine as 0.010-inch (0.254 mm) thick. After completion of the build, support structures are simply removed

ABS plastic is heated to a semi-liquid state and deposited in thin layers by a patented extrusion head.

Catalsyt software automatically determines when and where to deposit ABS or support material throughout the build process.

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How does 3D Printing fit into the design process?

For a growing segment of designers that depend on 3D solid CAD, the Dimension 3D Printer is quickly becoming an essential extension of their overall CAD system and a critical part of the entire design process.

• Accelerating Time to Market - the Dimension 3D Printer helps organizations shorten design and development cycles and ultimately get products to market more quickly by enabling users to easily fine tune design and explore multiple design iterations.
• Generating Bottom-Line Savings - by enabling a highly collaborative and efficient design process, Dimension has helped organizations significantly lower production costs, reduce expensive revisions late in the development cycle and ensure products' gross profit potential.
• Enhancing Communication and Collaboration - Dimension helps bring ideas off the flat screen and produces functional 3D models that can be easily shared, critiqued, and improved. Dimension also allows designers to easily communicate a design's true features to key audiences, including management, marketing, vendors and customers.
• Creating Better Designs - with desktop access to the Dimension 3D Printer, designers are no longer limited in the number of 3D models they can produce and test, resulting in more creative designs and better final products.
• Ensuring Confidentiality - Dimension eliminates the need to exchange confidential design files with service providers, allowing companies to maintain product confidentiality and control.

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How durable is ABS?

Unlike appearance prototypes produced in weak materials, Dimension parts built in ABS (acrylnitrile butadene styrene) have been used for functional and field tests - from wind tunnel testing to camera mounts on a M2 Bradley tank and a spray gun running at 60 psi.

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Is post-processing required?

Once a model is removed from the build chamber, simply remove the model from the build foundation and break away any support structures. No further post-processing is required and the model will retain its shape and accuracy indefinitely. ABS parts can be sanded, milled, drilled, tapped, painted and even electro-plated.

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Are there any special facility requirements necessary to install a Dimension system?

No. Dimension is designed for use in the office. The system operates quietly and there are no noxious fumes or toxic materials that require venting and/or special handling. We do recommend a 20A dedicated circuit and a cabinet or stand that adequately supports the system at 300#.

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Can more than one user process files and print parts on Dimension?

Yes. Dimension is a network device. Catalyst™ software comes with a site license so you decide who (and how many) users may process files and send parts to the system.

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Where can I see a Dimension system?

Contact Solutions 2 Enterprise on 08454 30 50 60 to view a demonstration.

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What workstation operating system is required to run the system?

Catalyst software operates on Windows 2000, XP and Vista.

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How can I get software upgrades?

Software upgrades are automatically sent to all customers covered under our warranty and maintenance agreements.

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Are colored materials available?

Yes. Standard ABS colors are white, red, blue, green, gray, yellow and red. Custom colors may be ordered.

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Why are so many designers choosing Dimension 3D Printers?

There is tremendous demand among designers in multiple industries for an easy, office-friendly and cost-effective way to produce quality, durable 3D models that can be used to evaluate design concepts and test functionality.

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