Accurate, High-Resolution Plastic Prototypes

 
ZBuilder rapid prototyping systems create high-end functional prototypes for a fraction of the cost of stereolithography machines. These all-in-one devices build parts additively using a high-resolution Digital Light Processor (DLP) projector to solidify a liquid photopolymer, resulting in durable plastic parts that mimic injection molding for accuracy, material properties, detail, and surface finish. Imaging an entire cross-section at once, the devices build at twice the speed of machines with comparable performance. ZBuilders enable you to verify designs for form, fit and function prior to full-scale production; eliminate costly modifications to production tooling; and ultimately shorten time to market.

Applications

• Evaluate product designs prior to full-scale production
• Verify designs for form, fit, function
• Create concept models to improve communication and refine designs

Duplicate Digital CAD Models Precisely

• Accurate; part features within +/- 0.008 inches* (+/- 0.2 mm*)
• Precision optics and motion systems for repeatability
• Only movement in the Z-direction

Build True Functional Plastic Parts

Material Properties Mimic Final Parts

• Strong and flexible
• Consistent regardless of orientation

Razor-Thin Walls and Sharp Detail

• Minimum feature size 0.005 inches (138 microns)
• X/Y resolution from highest resolution DLP engine
• Precise control of light source delivers sharp edges

Ultra-Smooth Surface Finish

• Parts appear injected molded
• Precise control of each voxel (3D pixel)
• No “stair stepping”

Save Time

• 2X faster than other functional prototyping systems
• Verify designs the next day
• Speed independent of the number of parts in the build
• Only seconds per exposure

How it Works

• Similar to SLA systems
• High-resolution DLP system instead of complex laser technology
• Highly controlled exposure for each voxel
• Exposed photopolymer solidifies into robust solid plastic

*Typical (may vary by geometry, part orientation, build parameters, and process)