Check it Out: Z Corp's ZPrinter Video

By Anthony J. Lockwood

Dear Desktop Engineering Reader:

It's been a couple of years since I last spoke with John Kawola the CEO at Z Corporation. I recall that at the time he was talking about the need to not just drive down the of additive prototyping and modeling technologies but to drive down the costs while simultaneously delivering high-quality machinery. After all, anybody can cheap down something. Lowering the price and delivering high quality is a tricker engineering accomplishment. Seems that Z Corporation is mastering the art.

Just today, Z Corporation has unveiled two new 3D printers that continue the trend toward more affordable 3D printing for commercial and academic use. Neither the new ZPrinter 150 or the new ZPrinter 250 trade price – base prices of $14,900 and $24,900, respectively – for performance. And both are eco-friendly and compact enough to fit into most any office or classroom environment.

The primary difference between the two units is one of color: The ZPrinter 150 is a monochrome device while the ZPrinter 250 prints its models and prototypes in multiple colors (and, yes, colors are printed simultaneously). Both provide a 9.3- x 7.3- x 5-inch build size, 300 x 450 dpi resolution, feature sizes as small as 0.016 inches, and a vertical build speed of 0.8 inch/hour. Both also can print multiple stacked models simultaneously, and offer convenience features like automatic powder loading and self-monitoring of materials. They are designed to be used out-of-the-box and with as little fuss as much as such a system can be.

Z Corporation has created a short 3:30-minute video on its new monochrome ZPrinter 150 and multicolor ZPrinter 250. While the video offers hip elevator-class music without a deep-throat narrative, I found it short and sweet, getting its message across perfectly. So, I recommend that you go check it out. With prices like these coupled with those performance specs, it's getting difficult to find a reason not to have a 3D printer in every office and classroom. The video will show you what I mean by that.

Thanks, Pal. -- Lockwood

Anthony J. Lockwood
Editor at Large, Desktop Engineering

Check out Z Corp's video on the ZPrinters.