3D Printer Expands Lab’s Prototyping Capabilities
Arenas and other large venues rely on high-tech displays to produce the best show possible for an audience. The show must go on, as the saying goes, so reliability is paramount.
Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of projection displays for many years. In October 2012, the company opened its own in-house prototyping and environmental testing lab, called Hyphen, to optimize product quality. Located in Kitchener, Ontario, the facility is fully equipped to conduct various mechanical and electrical tests on products to identify potential field failures.
Last year, Hyphen began offering its prototyping and testing services to outside businesses. To that end, the company recently upgraded its prototyping capabilities with the purchase of a Fortus 900mc 3D production system made by Stratasys Ltd.
The 900mc enables manufacturers to create large and durable parts, which are ideal for concept modeling, functional prototyping, factory tooling and end use. Equally important, it helps customers bring their products to market quicker.
The system uses fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology to repeatably produce parts as large as 36 by 24 by 36 inches. It handles 10 different materials, including FDM Nylon 12, and dispenses material in 0.007-, 0.01- or 0.013-inch-thick layers. The printer head’s ballscrew-driven gantry and Control Center software ensure accuracy to within ±0.0035 or 0.0015 inch per inch.
The material-delivery system consists of two build-material and two support-material canisters, each of which contains 92 cubic inches of material. Canister changeover occurs automatically.
Hyphen management works closely with large and small companies, as well as inventors and educational institutions, notes Mark Barfoot, managing director of Hyphen. He says the lab has helped the company establish new industry connections and strengthen its leadership role in the additive manufacturing industry.
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“The 900mc helps designers and manufacturers bring their ideas to life faster and more accurately,” says Barfoot. “If you can envision it, we can help you build it.”
For more information on 3D production systems, call 888-480-3548 or visit www.stratasys.com.
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