Stratasys introduces rapid prototyping “Triplets” – three variations on the FDM vantage

Stratasys introduces rapid prototyping “Triplets” – three variations on the FDM vantage

Keywords: Rapid prototyping

Rapid prototyping system maker, Stratasys, introduced what it is calling the Triplets – three variations of its FDM Vantage™ rapid prototyping system. The company says that the Triplets offer design engineers three “personalities”in an FDM Vantage, with distinct choices in performance and price (Plate 2).

 Plate 2Users can start with a more affordable triplet and upgrade as they need

Prices range from $99,000 for the base model Vantage to $195,000 depending on the model and configuration.

“For the first time – a design engineer can get into modeling with polycarbonate for under $100,000” says Stratasys CEO Scott Crump.“That's impressive, since PC is one of the toughest modeling plastics available, and its used in so many manufacturers' end products. This strength also allows rapid manufacturing of end products: either in short production runs or custom parts”.

A step up from the base-model is the Vantage S, which stands for speed. On average, the S model is over 50 percent faster than the base Vantage. The speed increase can range as high as 125 percent faster, but the exact speed improvement depends on factors such as material type, layer thickness, model geometry, model size, and support style. Not every combination of factors will result in significant speed improvement.

The fully loaded Triplet is the Vantage SE, which stands for speedþexpanded envelope. In addition to the speed increase, the SE has an expanded build envelope (or build chamber) with 150 per cent more volume, allowing bigger prototypes. It also features an expanded material bay, with housings for a second model- material canister and a second support-material canister. This allows users to leave the machine unattended for longer time periods.

“As users' requirements grow, their machine can grow with them”,says product manager Patrick Robb. “The Triplets offer more options for growth than were previously available. Users can start with a more affordable Triplet and upgrade as they need”.