STRATASYS INTRODUCES LARGE-FORMAT POLYJET RAPID PROTOTYPING SYSTEM - THE EDEN500V

Larger PolyJet System is Fast with Ultra-High Resolution

Minneapolis, Nov 1 - (Nasdaq: SSYS) Stratasys today introduced a large-format PolyJet(tm) rapid prototyping system - the Eden500V. It is the newest member of the Eden line of PolyJet systems, manufactured by Objet Geometries and distributed in North America by Stratasys.

Besides the PolyJet hallmarks of high speed, feature detail, and surface smoothness, the Eden500V has a larger build envelope. It measures 19.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in. (500 x 400 x 200 mm), permitting the construction of bigger models than previous PolyJet systems. The large build envelope also allows multiple models to be produced simultaneously in a single run. The Eden500V uses four jumbo-size material cartridges, which support the larger builds, so the machine can operate longer unattended, improving productivity over existing PolyJet systems.

New speed and resolutions settings allow users to match these properties to specific projects. In high-speed mode, the speed effectively doubles that of previous PolyJet systems, which are already among the fastest in the industry. This is achieved by reducing horizontal resolution to 30-microns (0.0011 in.). The high-resolution setting of 16-micron (0.0006 in.) layers enables detail and surface finish smoothness that rivals any competitive process. Both settings offer excellent quality, with an X and Y resolution of up to 600 dpi.

Like previous PolyJet systems, the Eden500V employs a clean, safe modeling process. Sealed liquid resin cartridges are inserted into the machine, which then jets out only the amount needed to build the model. While each model layer is built, it is simultaneously cured with UV light. When models are removed, they are already fully cured, so no exposure to resin occurs throughout the entire process.

"I believe PolyJet is setting a new standard in rapid prototyping," says product manager Fred Fischer. "The Eden500V offers an unprecedented suite of benefits from high material capacity, to speed, to ultra-fine detail, and it's a safe, clean process. No other prototyping system offers all the benefits of The Eden500V. It's a tough competitor."

The Eden500V uses all available PolyJet materials, including the Translucent, Vero, and Tango material lines. These lines offer features ranging from general purpose, transparent resins to those with high strength and excellent visualization features, and materials with rubber-like flexibility, in addition to other benefits.

Stratasys Inc, Minneapolis, manufactures rapid prototyping systems and 3D printers, and it offers rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing services. Stratasys equipment is used by OEMs such as aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, and consumer product makers. In 2004, the company installed 36 percent of all systems sold worldwide, making it the unit market leader for the third consecutive year, according to Wohlers Report 2005. Stratasys patented the rapid prototyping process known as fused deposition modeling (FDM(r)). The process creates functional models directly from any 3D CAD program using ABS plastic, polycarbonate, PPSF or other materials. The company holds 175 granted or pending prototyping patents. Stratasys rapid prototyping systems are also used for rapid manufacturing and rapid tooling. In addition to manufacturing products, Stratasys is the exclusive North American distributor of PolyJet rapid prototyping systems, manufactured by Objet Geometries, Rehovot, Israel. 

www.Stratasys.com

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