Stratasys has recently introduced the FDM 200mc - a rapid prototyping and manufacturing system that builds parts with better feature detail and material strength than previous entry level FDM systems. The product was introduced from the show floor of the 2007 RAPID Conference for rapid prototyping and manufacturing.
Replacing the previous Prodigy Plus system, the FDM 200mc pairs the usage of a new material, ABSplus, with high-end Insight software, to produce parts with improved mechanical properties and improved feature detail.
The new ABSplus material has thermal characteristics different from ABS, allowing better flow properties. In addition, the Insight software’s extrusion flow-control parameters have been refined and optimised. As a result of these two factors, the 200mc can produce parts with excellent feature detail - significantly better than the predecessor system, Prodigy Plus.
ABSplus was engineered to work optimally with the 200mc system. The material offers solid improvements over standard ABS across a number of mechanical properties, including Tensile strength, Impact strength, Flexural strength, and Bonding strength. These improved mechanical properties result in parts up to 67% stronger than standard ABS, thus expanding functional testing capabilities.
The 200mc has an 8 x 8 x 12 in. (203 x 203 x 305 mm) build envelope and offers two modes for build processing, giving users better control over part quality. In simple mode, Insight automatically manages the production of the part for a fast, simple, and efficient build. In advanced mode, users can manipulate construction parameters to change mechanical properties of the part. Advanced mode also allows users to pause the building process in order to place inserts or change material colours.
“The FDM 200mc has capabilities well beyond simple 3D printers, giving users a powerful combination of optimised software, hardware, and material,” says Stratasys product marketing manager Fred Fischer. “The system offers superior part quality in an affordable, entry-level prototyping system.”
The 200mc can build parts with 0.007 and 0.010 in. (0.18 and 0.25 mm) layers, and offers the convenience of soluble support technology for faster builds with excellent surface finish and fine feature detail.
Stratasys will continue to support and service Prodigy Plus systems and offer new releases of Insight software. The FDM 200mc is available for immediate shipment.