Fisher-Unitech to Provide First 'Cross-Over' 3D Printer From Stratasys
Troy-based Fisher-Unitech announced Tuesday that it is now offering the new Fortus 250mc Production 3D Printer from Minneapolis-based Stratasys Inc.
Fisher-Unitech said the Fortus 250mc is the company's first "crossover" system, combining the ease-of-use and affordability of a Dimension with the control of Insight Software, which drives the Fortus line of 3D Production Systems, and empowers users with added control of build speed, part accuracy and feature detail.
Like all Stratasys systems, the Fortus 250mc utilizes the additive manufacturing technique and is based on the fused deposition modeling process. In 3D printing, a three-dimensional object is created by laying down successive layers of material -- typically a plastic powder and a binding agent. Sophisticated shapes and even hollow spaces can be created in 3D-printed objects by leaving the binding agent out of some layers, so that the plastic power simply blows away once the object is complete.
The Fortus 250mc addresses the needs of traditional 3D printer candidates, who want to move beyond prototyping into low volume production. The 250mc can be used to build functioning manufacturing tools like jigs and fixtures, to be used in the production process. Some users have found the FDM method to be a viable alternative to conventional metal-cutting manufacturing methods like milling, turning and boring. Additive manufacturing with a Fortus 250mc can be performed in-house, saving companies money on production, documentation, raw materials, and warehousing.
"We are excited to offer our customers an additive manufacturing solution for under $45,000, while still providing 3D printing and prototyping functionality with one system," said Joe Rocca, director of rapid technology at Fisher/Unitech "The Fortus 250mc is a perfect fit for large and small machine shops alike looking to implement additive technology to their processes."
The Fortus 250mc has a 10x10x12 inch (254x254x305mm) build envelope and offers three build layer options; 0.007, 0.010 and 0.013 inches (0.178, 0.254 and 0.330mm.) To create parts, the machine uses ABSplus thermoplastic, which offers excellent mechanical properties, including impact strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and bonding strength for tough, functional applications. ABSplus comes in ivory, white, blue, fluorescent yellow, black, red, nectarine, olive green and gray colors.
The Fortus 250mc uses Stratasys SR-30 soluble support material, which has a faster dissolve time than other soluble support materials.
The Fortus 250mc is supported by a 12-month warranty and is available now for shipment.
Fisher-Unitech has two centrally located Rapid Technology Centers in Troy and Schaumburg, Ill. Each center is equipped with a Fortus 3D production system with the ability to print parts using all available Stratasys plastics.
More at www.stratasys.com or www.funtech.com.
