Introducing Zortrax Refined Resin 3D Printing System

Zortrax has launched a refined resin 3D printing and post-processing system: a trio consisting of an industrial-grade UV LCD 3D printer, Zortrax Inkspire 2, and post-processing devices, Zortrax Cleaning Station and Zortrax Curing Station. The Inkspire 2 is compatible with a range of high-grade engineering resins by global manufacturers, like Henkel/Loctite and BASF Forward AM. 

The Zortrax resin 3D printing and post-processing system introduces solutions tailored to professional resin 3D printing users. With the durable engineering resins, functional equivalents of most resistant filaments, one can print prototypes and final models using resin 3D printing only. 

The first staple of the resin 3D printing system is Inkspire 2, a high-end UV LCD 3D printer with 192x120x280 (mm) workspace. It has been designed to work with quality resins, and to ensure an automated and user-friendly operation at the same time. A light engine, developed in-house by Zortrax, provides the same levels of UV exposure across the platform. 

The printing parameters for every supported engineering resin introduced to the portfolio have been thoroughly validated to certify that mechanical and thermal properties achieved in parts 3D printed on the Inkspire 2 at least match or exceed those declared by the manufacturer. Also, thanks to high power light source implemented in the machine, the users can even 3D print with some resins dedicated to DLP technology. There are four resin lines dedicated to the Inkspire 2: elastomeric resins, rigid/tough resins, castable resins and basic resins. 

“What we aimed at, while working on the Inkspire 2, was creating an innovative resin 3D printer advanced enough to serve the most durable resins on the market. We’ve reached this goal through a series of high-end features introduced in the Inkspire 2. It is now able to serve resins originally dedicated to other technologies, like DLP, and 3D print the most demanding engineering resins by leading worldwide resin manufacturers, like Henkel/Loctite and BASF Forward AM,” says Artur Chendoszko, resin technology leader at Zortrax.

Although Inkspire 2 is more advanced than its predecessor, it is easier to operate. The automation of most processes also makes operating this machine cleaner and more convenient, according to the company. A resin level sensor measures the amount of resin needed to 3D print a certain model—if there is not enough liquid in the resin vat, the 3D printer informs the user about it.

The user’s engagement in the process is minimized. Inkspire 2 also has closed air circulation. HEPA filters, installed in the printer, absorb chemical particles during printing, reducing any unpleasant smell. Vapors created during 3D printing do not escape the machine through gaps, but are filtered by an advanced filtering system.

Inkspire 2 is accompanied by the automated ecosystem for professional post-processing. Zortrax Cleaning Station’s main purpose is to remove excessive resin from the models’ surfaces, as well as nooks and crannies, where Zortrax Curing Station provides crucial UV curing once resin 3D printing and cleaning have been completed. Cleaning the prints is necessary to preserve the models’ dimensional accuracy. Additional UV curing is vital for most resins to achieve their target mechanical properties. 

Zortrax Cleaning Station, due to its high-volume tank, can clean relatively large models, 3D printed on nearly any resin 3D printer available on the market. Thanks to a filtering system, IPA can be safely reused for multiple cleaning sessions. An industrial class curing chamber in Zortrax Curing Station, in turn, provides consistent UV exposure, enhanced by a rotating table and ensures that the models are free of any weak spots caused by insufficient UV exposure.

Zortrax Cleaning Station and Zortrax Curing Station, just like Inkspire 2, have been validated by top resin manufacturers. BASF Forward AM and Henkel/Loctite post-processed the sample 3D prints and then tested them to confirm they are compliant with all the properties declared for the applied resin. These devices can operate independently of the 3D printer with different technologies, such as UV LCD, DLP and SLA. 

“Bringing our system into your business, you can easily create your own manufacturing facility, equip your factory with high-quality, reliable, and professional machines that work for you, or combine them into farms. The Inkspire 2 is able to work with most advanced resins available. Zortrax Curing Station and Zortrax Cleaning Station are stand-alone devices that can be successfully used to support also other types of resin 3D printers on the market,” concludes Mariusz Babula, CEO at Zortrax.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.