3D Systems Releases ZPrinter 850

Each new 3D printer launch is a peek into the development of additive manufacturing (AM) in general. New systems will, of course, offer features like faster build times, more colors or a larger build envelope, but how these features are put together suggests what sort of feedback manufacturers have received from their customers. After all, it only makes sense to develop what you know is going to sell.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the new offering from 3D Systems. It's the first ZPrinter to be released since 3D Systems completed its acquisition of Z Corporation in January. According to the company, the ZPrinter 850 offers 390,000 colors from five print heads with a resolution of 600 x 540 dpi. It has a build envelope of 20 x 15 x 9 in. (508 x 381 x 229 mm) and offers a layer thickness of 0.0035 - 0.004 in. (0.089 - 0.102 mm).

That large of a build envelope opens up new opportunities for customers, particularly when combined with full color printing.

 This is just what we’ve been looking for. The larger print format provides the flexibility to work in standard scales, see greater detail and increase our overall capacity. The ZPrinter 850 will be great for business.” – Wesley Wright, designer at Pelli Clarke Pelli

The new system uses a high performance composite material and an inkjet sprayed binder to create layers. Finished products can be treated with resin to create sturdy, functional prototypes. 3D Systems says the ZPrinter 850 is its fastest printer yet with a vertical build speed of .2-.6 in./hour (5-15 mm/hour) amounting to approximately 42 baseball-sized prototypes per day.

“Our customers have been asking for more and bigger full color parts and the ZPrinter 850 delivers,” said Buddy Byrum, vice president of Channel Development and Product Management for 3D Systems. “This new large-format professional printer magnifies our speed, color and affordability advantage, making it most valuable for our customers throughout their entire ideation to production process.”

Below you’ll find a short video covering the ZPrinter 850.

Source: 3D Systems