Stratasys Ltd., in collaboration with Materialise, has introduced the Stratasys Neo Build Processor for Investment Casting. This solution is designed to accelerate the production of high-quality master patterns used in investment casting, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce manufacturing time.
Streamlined Workflow for Faster Production
The new build processor is specifically developed for the Stratasys Neo 450 and Neo 800 stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers. It offers up to 50% faster file processing and significantly improved print speeds. This advancement enhances the 3D printing workflow, providing manufacturers in aerospace and other demanding industries the tools to meet their production needs more efficiently.
3D printing master patterns can reduce production time for investment casting from weeks to days, offering up to 75% time savings compared to traditional manufacturing techniques like wax molds and CNC machining. The capability to create intricate designs that are difficult or impossible with conventional methods opens new opportunities for innovation in part design, especially in small-series production.
Meeting Industry Needs with Precision and Speed
The Stratasys Neo Build Processor for Investment Casting offers several key benefits to manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. These include improved speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness. By utilizing Somos® WaterShed® AF resin alongside Neo SLA technology and Materialise software, the build processor ensures high-quality 3D printed master patterns that require minimal finishing. This innovation enhances efficiency and allows for the production of exceptional metal castings in significantly less time.
“This new build processor advances our mission to provide faster, more efficient solutions for producing high-quality master patterns,” said Rani Hagag, Chief Health Care and Consumer Business Officer at Stratasys. “Partnering with Materialise exemplifies how Stratasys collaborates with industry leaders to drive innovation and help our customers achieve their most challenging production goals with greater speed and precision.”
Enhanced Capabilities
The Stratasys Neo Build Processor offers several improvements to the 3D printing process:
- – Faster File Processing and Printing: The processor allows for quicker turnaround times by optimizing file preparation and speeding up the printing process without sacrificing part quality.
- – Improved Workflow Integration: Seamless integration with Materialise’s Lattice module and Stratasys’s Titanium™ software for Neo systems helps reduce the learning curve and minimize human error.
- – Superior Part Quality: Variable layer thickness options improve surface finish, reducing the need for post-processing.
- – Customizable Build Parameters: Users can tailor production parameters for geometry, supports, and lattices, further improving scanning and productivity.
Through these enhanced capabilities, Stratasys and Materialise are addressing the evolving needs of manufacturers across industries like aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. The introduction of this build processor not only accelerates production timelines but also enables the creation of more intricate designs that push the boundaries of traditional manufacturing. This seamless collaboration between hardware and software allows manufacturers to optimize their investment casting processes with greater precision and speed, offering a robust solution to meet the ever-increasing demands of modern manufacturing.