Introducing ULTEM 9085 in Black!

All the things you like about ULTEM, but in black!

ULTEM 9085 from SABIC Innovative Plastics has superior strength, is light weight, and has other desirable characteristics, including FST rating. The FST (flame, smoke and toxicity) rating is a safety standard that ensures a material won't promote a fire, release harmful smoke, or emit toxic fumes, and it is particularly valued in the transportation industries.

"The majority of our tan ULTEM users have requested the material also be available in black, because it gives a uniform look to product assemblies," said Fred Fischer, business development director at Stratasys. "It also helps mask dirt or grease found in mechanical systems or under the hood, in the fuselage, or on the manufacturing floor. For many users, the black color will eliminate the need for non-value-added post-processing step of painting or coating."

Truck fender and accessory manufacturer, Minimizer, uses ULTEM when creating both fender and mounting component prototypes. Mounting brackets are commonly made from glass fiber and tough, rigid plastics, which can be a challenge to prototype, according to Minimizer mechanical engineer, Martin Larsen.
"When we make an FDM part and mount it on a truck there's a lot of drilling, using fasteners and even mating parts together," he says. "We found that (because) the ULTEM has high tensile strength and is rigid, it's a good alternative for us to prototype with. Having the black material is a big bonus for us. We don't have to spend the time to finish the part, and we get the same material properties we look for in the (standard) ULTEM material."




Like standard ULTEM 9085, the black color material has a V-0 flammability rating. The material is heat resistant up to 320° F (160° C) and is inherently flame-retardant, offering full FST compliance including OSU heat release of less than 55/55, or 55 kw min/m2 for heat release and 55 kw/m2 for peak heat release.
The material's impact strength also makes it appealing to the aerospace industry, where high-strength, lightweight parts are extremely valuable.

In addition to the automotive and aerospace industries, Stratasys anticipates that black ULTEM 9085 will be useful for construction, agriculture and industrial equipment manufacturers.

Tan and Black ULTEM 9085 are now available at RedEye Australasia.

Call 1300 559 454 or email enquiries@redeyerpm.com.au for more information or competitive quote on your next project. 

The Future of Additive Manufacturing

Ask Jeff Hanson, business development manager at RedEye On Demand, and he’ll tell you the factory of the future is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minn. Hanson helped launch the digital manufacturing company in 2005 after working for parent company, Stratasys, for more than 10 years and explains how RedEye is leading the future of manufacturing.

Read the full article by Marta Jiménez-Lutterat Manufacturing Today, click here.

Introducing RedEye Australasia's Corporate Advantage Network

Calling Existing FDM machine owners!

Do you have a Dimension, U-Print, Mojo or 400MC machine and can’t keep up with your printing requirements? 

Supplement your existing capabilities by utilising the facilities at Redeye Australasia (the bureau service for Stratasys and Fortus).

RedEye Australasia offers corporate rates to existing machine owners allowing them access to a full suite of machines (including 400MC and 900MC), as well as the complete range of FDM materials including Ultem, PC, PC-ISO, ABS-M30i, and ABS in a wide variety of colours. 

Whether you need diversity in materials, a larger build platform or simply more machines to meet your short term requirements, take advantage of the RedEye Corporate rate and allow RedEye Australasia to supplement your existing FDM capabilities.

You already know the benefits of FDM for accurate repeatable models, prototypes and parts, and now you can gain a corporate discount for any projects that are built in the RedEye Australasia facilities because of your previous machine purchase.  

To receive the corporate discount, send your existing Stratasys or Fortus serial number along with your files, and upgrade your capabilities without the capital expenditure by becoming a member of the RedEye Australasia Corporate Advantage network. 

RedEye Australasia, www.redeyeondemand.com.au, 1300 559 454, enquiries@redeyeondemand.com.au.

FDM creates prototypes for the Smithsonian

The possibilities are endless with rapid prototyping technologies. Aside from functional tools, injection moulds, blow moulds and highly accurate parts, FDM is also suitable for building lifesize replicas, like the model of Thomas Jefferson recently created for the Smithsonian. The possibilities are endless with rapid prototyping technologies. Aside from functional tools, injection moulds, blow moulds and highly accurate parts, FDM is also suitable for building lifesize replicas, like the model of Thomas Jefferson recently created for the Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian was putting together an exhibition for the National Museum of African American History called Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty. They would obvioulsy have loved to use the statue on permanent display at Monticello, the Thomas Jefferson Museum in Virginia, but that was not practical or possible.

Instead of using traditional modelling techniques, such as rubber molding and casting, the statue was instead scanned and built in three sections (four parts) using FDM technology and materials. The full scale replica was then finished and painted to look like the original bronze statue.

Not only is this an excellent example of rapid prototyping technology and the possibilities of this growing industry, it also opens up a whole new way for people to experience some amazing objects in a museum or gallery which they may otherwise never have the opportunity to see.

FDM parts and prototypes are durable and accurate, minimising the risk of damage during transport.

Already popular with medical models, architectural models and teaching aids, a new era of model making has arrived, and with it, new opportunities!

Well Done Redeye On Demand and the Smithsonian.

FDM moves mountains for Chipotle

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how FDM 3D printing helped create Chipotle’s popular Back to the Start animated short film.




Fast-forward one minute into the movie to hear Bob Thorne, special effects supervisor at Artem Ltd., explain how his team shaved almost a week off a tight production timeline by using the Dimension 3D Printers to create just one character.

There is no limit to the end use of 3D printed parts.

To see how RedEye Australasia can help you with your next project call 1300 559 454.

To see the full flim click on the link below:

FDM prints an entire coffee table in one piece

In a recent article on imaterialise, a FDM printed modular coffee table was featured.

The Module, designed by celebrated designers WertelOberfell–Platform is printed in one piece on a Stratasys FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) Maxum machine.

The coffee table is based on fractal growth patterns in trees and designed specifically to minimize waste. Individual Module coffee tables can be intertwined in order to get just the size of table you need.

To watch the build click on the link below.



The machine used in the video is the Stratasys FDM Maxum, one of the largest 3D printers in existence with a build volume of 600 x 500 x 600 mm. Redeye Australasia has a Maxum on the premises and can make large scale prototypes in a single piece within Australia, reducing waiting time for parts to a maximum of a few days.

The Stratasys 900MC in RedEye's American Build Centre is capable of building prototypes as large as 914 x 610 x 914 mm and can supply them direct to Australia through the Australasian Build Centre. See it in action below.



Producing prototypes with a high degree of dimensional accuracy, FDM is becoming increasingly popular for aerospace, automotive as well as art and other creative prototyping. For an instant quote visit http://www.redeyeondemand.com.au/.

Free Webinar: Additive Manufacturing

Thermoplastics: A Solid Choice For 3D Printing

When designing a new product, engineers can best predict its end performance by prototyping with a material as similar to it as possible. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) thermoplastics use the same types of raw materials found in injection molding - and that’s why 3D printing is a wise choice. You’ll learn the unique properties of each thermoplastic and find out how these aspects can help you choose the right material. Join us as we introduce nine FDM materials and the characteristics that make them ideal for everything from rapid prototyping to low-volume manufacturing.

Presented By: Fred Fisher, Director Business Development, Stratasys, Inc.

What you will learn:
• What thermoplastic is the best choice for your application
• How additive manufacturing technology works
• What makes each FDM thermoplastic unique

Who should attend:
• Design Engineers
• Product Designers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Inventors/Entrepreneurs
• Technology Educators

About Additive Manufacturing Technologies:
Additive manufacturing technologies are also commonly known as "Rapid Prototyping" or "3D Printing" as well as other names. And, although they are still being used by design engineers for concept modeling and prototyping, that’s not all. Manufacturing engineers are now employing these technologies for various applications such as jigs, fixtures, check gauges, and even as a bridge-to-tooling and low-volume end-use parts.

To view the free 30 minute Webinar click here.

3D printing critical in MINI World Rally Championship

Stratasys recently announced that its Dimension 3D printers and Fortus Production 3D Printers played a critical role in the development of the new MINI John Cooper Works World Rally Car (WRC).

The MINI Cooper WRC Team used the additive manufacturing machines to create a full-scale mock-up of the vehicle directly from the CAD (computer aided design) files, and it used the technology extensively on other assemblies and components of the vehicle.

The MINI WRC Team relied heavily on 3D printing throughout the car’s two-year development cycle. To design the test car, engineers used Stratasys FDM 3D Printing technology to create large parts of the engine bay, gearbox, steering assembly, vehicle interior and even engine components, such as intake valves. In addition to prototyping parts for the test track, the MINI WRC Team even produced some end-use parts for the finished car. One of the most visible of these is the ergonomically styled gearshift display and control panel, which is mounted on the steering column.

The development of the car, which will be featured in this year’s World Rally Championship, has impressed upon MINI WRC Team the importance of 3D printing in saving time, reducing tooling costs and enabling more design freedom of complex geometric parts.

“We would find it nearly impossible to build another car without using FDM technology,” said Paul Doe, chief design engineer. “We would never have dreamt of building the parts we did without the Stratasys machines. Using composite parts would have cost up to three to five times more.”

“MINI WRC Team’s use of FDM technology to develop a race-worthy car for WRC demonstrates that it’s both efficient and cost effective,” said Tim Heller, managing director of Stratasys Europe. “It’s nice to be considered an indispensable part of the prestigious team’s operation.”

MINI WRC Team used Stratasys Dimension 1200es 3D Printers and Fortus 400mc Production 3D Printers with polycarbonate and ABS materials.

MINI WRC Team Details

The MINI WRC Team made its debut in the FIA World Rally Championship in Rally Italy, Sardinia in May and for 2011 will be competing in just six European rallies with two MINI John Cooper Works WRCS. This is ahead of a full assault taking in all rounds of the championship in 2012.

MINI has a great rallying heritage and so for its two cars the team has chosen the numbers 37 and 52, which were carried by the cars winning the Monte Carlo Rally in the sixties.

Driving number 37 is Spain’s Dani Sordi with his co-driver being fellow Spaniard Carlos del Barrio.

Kris Meeke from Northern Ireland is driving number 52, and his co-driver is Paul Nagle from Southern Ireland.

This programme was initially announced last July, but even before then a lot of development had been done by MINI’s partner in this project Prodrive, one of the most experienced and respected operations in rallying. This UK based company from Banbury has no less than six World Rally Championship titles to its name. It was founded by team principal David Richards, who was himself a very successful rally co-driver.

“MINI powered by BMW Motorsport”: The heart of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC is the 1.6-litre, four-cylinder Di turbo engine, which is also available in the MINI production models.

The production engine was further developed by BMW Motorsport for the use in various categories according to FIA Super 2000 regulations. The power transmission takes place via an Xtrac 6-speed, sequential gearbox.

For its outings on the rally stages, the MINI Countryman chassis has been fitted with a roll cage developed by Prodrive, which exceeds the strict safety requirements of the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Stratasys Inc. is a maker of additive manufacturing machines for prototyping and producing plastic parts. The company markets under the brands Fortus 3D Production Systems and Dimension 3D Printers. The company also operates RedEye On Demand, a digital manufacturing service for prototypes and production parts. According to Wohlers Report 2010, Stratasys supplied more additive manufacturing systems in 2009 than any other manufacturer, making it the unit market leader for the eighth consecutive year. Stratasys patented and owns the process known as FDM.® The process creates functional prototypes and manufactured goods directly from any 3D CAD program, using high-performance industrial thermoplastics. The company holds more than 285 granted or pending additive manufacturing patents globally. Stratasys products are used in the aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, business & industrial equipment, education, architecture, and consumer-product industries. Online at: http://www.stratasys.com/

FDM Technology is a trademark, and FDM, Stratasys, Fortus, Dimension and RedEye are registered trademarks of Stratasys Inc.

Stratasys prints a Car!

Stratasys, the pioneers of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology, are a proud Development Partner on the Urbee Hybrid - the first car to have it's entire body 3D Printed.

Read the article here.

Watch the CNN video here.

Congratulations Stratasys and RedEye On Demand.

Throw Your Design for Manufacturability Guide Out the Window

Starting any new product design with a traditional Design for Manufacturability (DFM) checklist can stifle innovation. Why limit your creativity? One of the key benefits of additive manufacturing is true freedom of design. Find out how you can use additive manufacturing technology to put the fun back into product development.

If you design plastic parts you probably have a Design for Manufacturability (DFM) guide sitting on your desk. A typical list of things to consider when designing for plastic injection molding include:
•Radii
•Wall Uniformity
•Ribs
•Bosses
•Draft
•Snap-fits
•Screws
•Molded-in Threads
•Picture Framing
•Warpage

For each of the above bullets, you must alter your design to accommodate the limitations of injection molding tooling, (which is what “design for manufacturability” is all about). By the time the DFM rules are met, your original design may end up needing numerous adjustments, taking away from its intended use.

Talk about sucking the wind out of your creativity. Of course when you’re designing a product to be produced from plastic in the tens of thousands or more, your only choice for this volume is injection molding. But how many of you design products that will only be produced in the hundreds to a couple of thousand?

Using an additive manufacturing technology such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) allows you to produce parts directly from digital CAD files. Because plastic parts are built in layers, you’re no longer confined to the constraints of DFM.

Take for example this electrical connector cover. The designers knew they were only going to produce a couple of hundred covers. Functionality required some internal channels that would normally require a multiple piece component. When the designers found out they were going to use their FDM system for the final production parts, they threw DFM constraints out the window. Instead of multiple components, they designed the internal channels into a single component. They also minimized their design time by not worrying about radii, fillets or draft angles. Straight walls and 90 degree angles were perfectly acceptable.

Using direct digital manufacturing allows you the design freedom your product deserves. Imagine being able to optimize your design and product for its true end-use and not have to worry about how it's going to be manufactured.

Direct digital manufacturing with FDM could be the next industrial revolution because it offers companies an unprecedented freedom to innovate their products, processes and businesses.

The Evolution of Additive Manufacturing Materials

Deciding what material to use for your project is probably the most important decision you make. The testing or usability considerations undoubtedly determine the mechanical properties of the material, whether it is heat resistance, durability, elasticity or fine feature detail. Today's availability of multiple materials to match nearly any project is a testament to the expeditious evolution of material development.
More than 15 years ago, Stratasys started out using wax with its FDM technology because it was easiest to develop due to its low temperature resistance. It is also commonly used in investment casting so it seemed like the perfect segue from traditional manufacturing processes to rapid prototyping. As rapid prototyping gained momentum in the industry, the need for more functional prototypes rose demanding more durable materials.

ABS was developed to provide a more structurally sound prototype that enhanced testing for fit, function, durability and temperature resistance. ABS is a highly functional material that can be used to create prototypes, jigs and fixtures and production parts. It is widely used in applications where impact-resistance and structural strength are necessary.

Additionally, its dimensional stability positions it as an ideal material for pre-production rapid prototypes that can accurately predict performance of injection molded parts.

More than 10 years after the introduction of ABS, Stratasys introduced a material that is even stronger and more functional that ABS – ABS-M30. ABS- M30 is approximately 50 percent stronger than traditional ABS. The increase in strength provides more functional prototyping and digital manufacturing options for designers and engineers today.

Within the last 5 years, FDM technology has expanded the number of materials to include Polycarbonate (PC) and Polyphenylsulfone (PPSF) in addition to a variety of ABS and PC blends. There are even some that meet ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI classification 1 for medical applications.

The most recent addition to FDM materials is Ultem 9085. If you're in the automotive, aerospace, or military industries you've probably heard of it. At a tensile strength of 10,390 psi1 and flexural stress of 16,700 psi, it's the strongest FDM thermoplastic available today. It is also inherently flame-retardant, offering full flame/smoke/toxicity (FST) compliance including OSU heat release of less than 55/55.

The constant evolution of better, stronger, more functional materials has created a real alternative for designers to choose FDM over injection molding.