A new version of Stratasys' popular FDM Vantage rapid prototyping system, called the Vantage X, offers three additional modelling material options and higher resolution than the previous base model, with a starting price of €93,000.Concurrent with this introduction, the base model FDM Vantage i price will be lowered.
The systems’ prices will now range from €79,000 to €179,000. Besides the standard polycarbonate (PC) and ABS plastic, the Vantage X offers a PC-ABS blend, PC-ISO, and ABSi options. ABSi offers improvements over standard ABS, including finer feature detail and surface finish smoothness.
PC-ABS combines the strength of PC with the flexibility of ABS. PC-ISO is a medical-grade plastic that meets ISO 10993 and USP Class VI material requirements.
The Vantage X can be ordered in either “A” or “P” configurations. The A configuration allows the use of ABS, ABSi, and PC-ABS. The P configuration allows the use of PC, PC-ISO, and PC-ABS. Material configuration options let users customise the machine to their specific application needs.Besides the new material options, the Vantage X offers a significant resolution upgrade for ABS, ABSi, and PC-ABS.
The high resolution setting of 0.005 inch or “5 mil” (0.127 mm) gives users the option of excellent feature detail and surface finish smoothness in a thermoplastic part. “It is a big deal to our customers to get these new resolution and material options in a machine starting at under €100,000,” says Stratasys product manager, Patrick Robb.
“Previously you would have had to purchase a much higher priced Vantage to get these features, and this would not have included ABSi. The Vantage has been a huge success for Stratasys. and this latest version brings sophisticated prototyping down to a price easily justifiable by any serious development group.”
The Vantage X is scheduled to start shipping in mid February.* Starting price does not include costs such as modelling materials, installation, training, shipping, duties and import tax, and service contract.