Category : Precision manufacturing technologies > Rapid prototyping

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Wax carving and other time consuming processes are no longer required for high precision 3D modelling and rapid prototyping, following the launch into the UK of the Solidscape range of master pattern-making systems by Unimatic Engineers.

Solidscape’s 3D wax printing systems are computer controlled office peripherals that allow designers and engineers to go directly from CAD (computer aided design) files to investment castings or rubber mould creation. They cut out the time, cost and effort of traditional techniques such as wax carving and lost wax casting, reducing time to market, development expenses and the inflexibility of older manual methods.

Furthermore, they offer the highest accuracy modelling methodology available on the market, with accuracy figures of 25 microns. It is therefore not only faster and more flexible, but also more accurate than traditional methods.

There are two models available: the T66 which has a travel range of up to 6in x 6in (150mm x 150mm) and the larger T612 with a travel range of 12in x 6in. Both create patterns in a proprietary thermoplastic, which is drop-applied in a series of layers, one on top of another. The thickness of each layer can be between 0.013mm and 0.076mm, depending on the speed of build or degree of detail required.

For creating cavities, overhangs and undercuts, a wax-type support material is deposited simultaneously (which is subsequently dissolved away), a technique which has proven to be almost completely free of breakages, chips, inaccuracies or follow-on processes associated with other methods.

Typically Solidscape equipment is housed in the drawing office and can communicate directly with most CAD programmes. Once set up Solidscape systems can run unattended for long periods – unto 72 hours - so that productivity gains are easily achieved.

Designers in many fields are showing interest in the Solidscape concept, including jewellery designers, dental laboratories, medical instruments, implants and prostheses builders, turbine blade producers, consumer durables, automotive parts, and electronics. Unimatic offers a full range of complementary software and machining centres, and is recognised as a leader in the supply of high precision rapid prototyping and production systems.

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