July '05 Readers' Choice Award: T6x BENCHTOP 3D Printers

By DE Editors

Affordable/Fast 3D Printers Fit on Benchtop

Solidscape, Inc. (Merrimack, NH) says that its new T6x BENCHTOP line of 3D printers is the most affordable alternative to traditional methods of creating high-resolution master patterns for investment casting and silicone rubber molding that it has ever produced. The first two models of the T6x BENCHTOP line, the T66 and the T612, are designed to reside at the workbench or in an office environment. Neither unit requires any facility modifications, and both use nonhazardous materials.

The primary difference between the T66 and T612 is in their build area and the space required for deployment. The T66 BENCHTOP offers a build area of 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm, while the T612 BENCHTOP provides a build area of 30.48 cm x 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm. The T6x line works with silicone, RTV, epoxy, and other elastomeric molds. The systems can be used to build injection molding tools as well as higher precision models, prototypes, and patterns with layers as thin as 0.0005 inches. Solidscape notes that the T6x line can produce detailed models at up to three times the speed of previous Solidscape systems. Two new materials are also offered, InduraCast and InduraFill.

Price: $39,900 (T66); $49,900 (T612). For complete details, visit the Solidscape website.

The T6x BENCHTOP printers from Solidscape received the most votes in our April 2005 issue. To vote for your favorite product from this month's Products and Briefings sections, use the ballot at the end of the sections.