Additive Technology
The Stratasys J750 PolyJet system is one of the fastest 3D printers in market.
| Courtesy of Stratasys Direct ManufacturingA cosmetic packaging prototype 3D printed with
PolyJet technology in multiple colors.
| Courtesy of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing48 August 2019 http://www.makepartsfast.com DESIGN WORLDcan be achieved, like wood grain or
bricked surfaces. Designers can add
transparencies to their models to display
interiors, simulate glass or other see-
through elements. Companies can
reduce time to market by enabling
graphic designers to integrate product
images in marketing materials and
ensure that packaging and displays
work seamlessly with end products
well before the design goes into actual
production.
The models can be nearly
indistinguishable from the end product,mimicking the final part’s look and feel
for concept reviews and promotional
uses. The PolyJet parts are built with the
desired visual aesthetic quickly without
the need for additional finishing.
Color can be incorporated with two
file formats, depending on the desired
color and characteristics of the part.
With STL files, color and transparency
are determined by RGB color code
assigned to each unique shell. In
VRML format, color can be applied to
each face or individual triangles of the
geometry or with a texture (graphic)
file. Texture mapping, also known as UV
mapping, is the process of adding an
image or graphics to 3D geometry. Color
information is stored in a 2D image file
(.png, .jpg, .tiff), which is related to the
coordinates of the mesh.
Through the high-resolution of
PolyJet technology, prototypes and
concept models can accurately mimic
the final product as soon as it comes off
the 3D printer without post-processing.Multiple materials
Material versatility is another significant
benefit of PolyJet for rapid prototyping.
PolyJet materials like Digital ABS Plus
simulate engineering-grade plastics thatmay be used in the final product. The
Agilus30 family of PolyJet materials,
for example, simulate thermoplastic
elastomers with flexible, rubber-like
qualities. Glass-like clear materials
further enhance the range of visual
capabilities available with PolyJet.
Multiple material types can be used
in conjunction to support a range of
visual, tactile and functional simulation
for advanced prototypes and concept
models. Incorporating rubber surrounds,
overmolds, buttons, knobs, grips,
gaskets and boot and hose assemblies
can increase the realism of a prototype
used for stakeholder feedback or for
marketing materials.
PolyJet materials offer the versatility
to allow team members to see, touch,
feel, test, analyze and use prototypes
as they would the final product. These
prototypes are tested or used in trials
to gauge their success and enable
rapid iterations. By using the benefits of
PolyJet like full color, graphic textures
and multiple materials, designers,
engineers and product development
teams can create unparalleled
prototypes that accurately simulate end-
product look and feel.
Ultimately, PolyJet prototypes give
designers a thorough understanding
of products earlier in the development
process, minimizing the risk that
problems will go unnoticed. With
fine feature details and little need for
finishing, designers and engineers
can be more confident in their work
as they move forward in the product
development life cycle. nPolyjet MPF 8-19_Vs3.LL.indd 48 8/5/19 11:29 AM