Roland DGA Announces First 3D Printer

There are always a number of rumors floating around about established companies looking to enter the additive manufacturing (AM) market. The usual names include HP (probable), Apple and Google (less likely). While some companies might be interested in developing AM systems for in-house use, not every business is interested in joining the general sales fray.

Roland DGA has gone from the maybes to the sales floor with the release of its first AM system. The ARM-10 is part of Roland’s new monoFab system, which also includes a new milling system, the SRM-20.

“The monoFab series desktop fabrication tools are the culmination of over 25 years of experience in 3D milling,” said Rachel Hammer, 3D product manager for Roland DGA. “By combining the capabilities of these advanced rapid prototyping machines, users can select the best method for their workflow, from concept to production. Now, designers have greater opportunities to turn their ideas into reality.”

The ARM-10 uses digital light processing and photopolymer resin to build objects. Specifications for the new system are as follows:

• Build Size: 5.1 x 2.7 x 2.7 in. (130 x 70 x 70mm)
• Build Speed: .393 in. (10 mm)/h (Layer pitch = .0059 in. (0.15 mm)
• Light Source: UV-LED (ultraviolet light emitting diode)
• XY Resolution: .0079 inches (0.2 mm)
• Z axis resolution .0004 inches (0.01mm)

According to the company, 82 different combinations of resin were researched before deciding on Roland imageCure, which is a clear, photopolymer liquid resin. When exposed to the ARM-10's UV light, the resin becomes hard and semi-transparent.

Roland’s first AM system is priced at $6,995, or can be leased for $147/month.

The SRM-20 is a compact mill that is meant to work alongside its AM brother on the desktop. It’s been designed to assist in rapid prototyping working with materials such as resins, modeling wax, chemical wood, foam, acrylic, poly acetate, ABS, and PC board. Specifications are as follows:

• X, Y, and Z Operation Strokes: 8 x 6 x 2.38 in. (203.2 x 152.4 x 60.5mm)
• Table Size: 9.14 x 6.17 in. (232.2 x 156.6 mm)
• Loadable Workpiece Weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
• X-, Y-, and Z-axis Drive System: Stepper motor
• Operating Speed: 0.24 – 70.87 inches/min (6 – 1800mm/min)
• Mechanical Resolution: 0.0000393 inches/step (0.000998594 mm/step)
• Cutting Tool Chuck: Collet method

The mill is priced at $4,995, and both systems are currently available. Below you’ll find a video about the monoFab system.

Source: Roland DGA