Stratasys has introduced the Origin Two DLP 3D printer, alongside its post-processing solution, Origin Cure, to address growing demand for high-quality, short-run production. This new system aims to deliver the accuracy, repeatability, and surface finish traditionally associated with injection molding, marking a significant advancement for additive manufacturing.
Addressing the Challenges of Low-Volume Production
With supply chain disruptions, material shortages, and changing consumer preferences, traditional high-volume manufacturing faces mounting challenges. Manufacturers increasingly seek low-volume production solutions to reduce costs associated with mass production. The Origin Two is designed to eliminate the high setup and tooling expenses typically incurred with low to medium volume production, all while meeting strict precision requirements.
By combining the Origin Two with Origin Cure, manufacturers can benefit from:
– Ensured quality control to meet stringent part requirements
– In-house production to reduce reliance on third-party suppliers
– Improved inventory management with on-demand part delivery
– A streamlined, single-process manufacturing approach that enhances consistency
Rani Hagag, Chief Healthcare and Consumer Business Officer at Stratasys, highlighted the growing role of additive manufacturing. “With the new Origin solution, manufacturers in need of low-volume, high-precision parts now have an alternative to mass production that can meet their most stringent requirements, something which was not possible with additive before.”
Key Features of the Origin Two and Origin Cure System
The Origin Two and Origin Cure solution offers a high degree of accuracy, repeatability, and performance. It achieves an accuracy of +/- 50 µm, crucial for sectors like aerospace, automotive, and electronics. The system boasts a repeatability rate of over 93% within this tolerance range across multiple printers, with surface smoothness reaching up to RA 3 µm.
Additional features include:
– Printing at speeds up to 20 mm/hour, allowing for fast production
– A heated chamber that supports materials with a Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of up to 300°C, enabling high-performance applications
– Compatibility with a wide range of high-performance resins and formulations due to its 385-nanometer wavelength
Ryan Martin, Senior Research Director at ABI Research, noted the increasing value of additive manufacturing for low-volume production. “Manufacturers are using 3D printing for low-volume and custom parts, which helps reduce lead times and waste. This allows for greater flexibility and cost efficiency, supporting both prototyping and on-demand production.”
Availability and Demonstration
The Origin Two and Origin Cure systems will be showcased at the upcoming International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, September 9-14, at Stratasys’ booth (#433007 in the West Building Foyer). The new hardware is commercially available starting September 5th. For more information or to schedule a demo, visit the Stratasys website.