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Proof of Concept
Functional Testing
Marketing Tools
Product Confidentiality
Product Mockups
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Vacuum Forming
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FAQ - Frequently Asked QuestionsGeneralHow does 3D Printing fit into the design process? Dimension PrintersWhat is FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)? How does the Dimension process work? Are there any special facility requirements necessary to install a Dimension system? Can more than one user process files and print parts on Dimension? Where can I see a Dimension system? What workstation operating system is required to run the system? How can I get software upgrades? Are colored materials available? Why are so many designers choosing Dimension 3D Printers? Can Dimension models be "finished"? (painting, drilling, tapping, etc.) CADHow do I export an STL file from my 3D CAD program? What is the difference between 2D and 3D CAD? Answers to FAQ - GeneralWhat is rapid prototyping?Rapid prototyping is the process of automatically building a physical model from a 3D CAD drawing. In most cases, the physical model is constructed layer by layer. What is 3D Printing?3D printing is a type of rapid prototyping, typically defined by faster, more affordable, and easier-to-use technologies. Listen to industry expert Terry Wohlers of Wohlers Associates, Inc. describe 3D printing. (mpg, 3.9 megabytes) Return to questions. How does 3D Printing fit into the design process?For a growing segment of designers that depend on 3D solid CAD, the Dimension 3D Printer is quickly becoming an essential extension of their overall CAD system and a critical part of the entire design process. Accelerating Time to Market - the Dimension 3D Printer helps organizations shorten design and development cycles and ultimately get products to market more quickly by enabling users to easily fine tune design and explore multiple design iterations. See how Parvus Corporation used Dimension to quickly get parts into production. Generating Bottom-Line Savings - by enabling a highly collaborative and efficient design process, Dimension has helped organizations significantly lower production costs, reduce expensive revisions late in the development cycle and ensure products' gross profit potential. EOIR Technology's Dimension system paid for itself in just two months. Enhancing Communication and Collaboration - Dimension helps bring ideas off the flat screen and produces functional 3D models that can be easily shared, critiqued, and improved. Dimension also allows designers to easily communicate a design's true features to key audiences, including management, marketing, vendors and customers. Learn how Graco Inc. engineers quickly experimented with various designs. Creating Better Designs - with desktop access to the Dimension 3D Printer, designers are no longer limited in the number of 3D models they can produce and test, resulting in more creative designs and better final products. Ensuring Confidentiality - Dimension eliminates the need to exchange confidential design files with service providers, allowing companies to maintain product confidentiality and control. Answers to FAQ - DimensionWhat is FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)?FDM is an additive rapid prototyping process developed by S. Scott Crump and is marketed commercially through Stratasys and Dimension. A plastic filament is liquefied and extruded to form layers of a model. How does the Dimension process work?Based on the patented Stratasys FDM® process, Dimension builds functional 3D models from the bottom up, one layer at a time of tough, durable acrylnitrile butadene styrene (ABS plastic). STL files are imported into Catalyst® software which automatically slices and orients the parts and creates any necessary support structures. The software automatically plots a precise deposition path for Dimension to follow. ABS plastic (in filament form within auto-loading cartridges) is fed into an extrusion head, heated to a semi-liquid state and accurately deposited in layers as fine as 0.010-inch (0.254 mm) thick. After completion of the build, support structures are simply removed. 
ABS plastic is heated to a semi-liquid state and deposited in thin layers by a patented extrusion head. Catalsyt software automatically determines when and where to deposit ABS or support material throughout the build process. How durable is ABS?Unlike appearance prototypes produced in weak materials, Dimension parts built in ABS (acrylnitrile butadene styrene) have been used for functional and field tests - from wind tunnel testing to camera mounts on a M1A Bradley tank and a spray gun running at 60 psi. Is post-processing required?Once a model is removed from the build chamber, simply remove the model from the build foundation and break away any support structures. No further post-processing is required and the model will retain its shape and accuracy indefinitely. What is support material?Because Dimension builds models using an additive process, it is necessary in most cases to utilize support material to build a model. Simply put, it is not possible to lay down material in mid air without some sort of underlying structure in cases where there is a significant overhang. That said, Dimension technology can build most parts with a minimal amount of support. Catalyst™ software automatically creates any needed support structures to complete the part. Two support removal processes are available. With Dimension BST (Breakaway Support Technology) machines, supports are simply peeled off the model. Dimension SST (Soluble Support Technology) machines automate support material removal. The designer simply removes the model from the system and places the model into an SST Station. An SST Station is an agitation system that utilizes hot water and a soap bath to automatically wash away the support structures. Are there any special facility requirements necessary to install a Dimension system?No. Dimension is designed for use in the office. The system operates quietly and there are no noxious fumes or toxic materials that require venting and/or special handling. We do recommend a 20A dedicated circuit and a cabinet or stand that adequately supports the system at 300#. Can more than one user process files and print parts on Dimension?Yes. Dimension is a network device. Catalyst™ software comes with a site license so you decide who (and how many) users may process files and send parts to the system. Where can I see a Dimension system?Contact us to arrange a visit to our office should you want to see the Dimension 3D Printer in operation. Dimension and TAC Rockford also exhibit at a number of tradeshows during the year. What workstation operating system is required to run the system?Catalyst software operates on Windows 2000 and Windows XP. How can I get software upgrades?Software upgrades are automatically available to all customers covered under our warranty and maintenance agreements. Are colored materials available?Yes. Standard ABS colors are white, red, blue, green, gray, yellow and red. Custom colors may be ordered. Why are so many designers choosing Dimension 3D Printers?There is tremendous demand among designers in multiple industries for an easy, office-friendly and cost-effective way to produce quality, durable 3D models that can be used to evaluate design concepts and test functionality. Priced at under $20,000, Dimension is the first 3D printer to provide a true extension to 3D solid CAD by bringing designers desktop accessibility to functional, high-quality, 3D models at an affordable price. Listen to Terry Wohlers talk about the value of 3D printing. (mpg, 6.4 megabytes) Return to questions.Can Dimension models be "finished"? (painting, drilling, tapping, etc.)ABS parts can be sanded, milled, drilled, tapped, painted and even electro-plated. Answers to FAQ - CADWhat is an STL file?STL (Standard Tessellation Language) is a file format used for 3D printing and rapid prototyping. STL files describe the surface geometry of a 3-dimensional object without representation of color, surface texture, etc. How do I export an STL file from my 3D CAD program?Contact us for instructions specific to your CAD program. What is the difference between 2D and 3D CAD?2D CAD represents a design in two dimensions, much like a drawing on a sheet of paper. 3D CAD represents an object in 3 dimensions so that it can be "viewed" from all directions. Dimension 3D Printers require 3D CAD files. |