ZBuilders are built to produce parts of excellent quality. With a higher quality than the competition and 4x the resolution of SLAs, these durable plastic parts rival injection molding’s accuracy, material properties, detail, and surface finish. This finish is ultra-smooth, with razor-thin walls and sharp detail. Parts are always consistent regardless of orientation. The customer and the designer can always have faith that the finish product will hold up. Rapid-prototyping with ZBuilder technology allows designers to capture mistakes early and to fix them quickly and efficiently at a lower cost-to-market.

ZBuilder technology solves problems. Generating “problems” and solving them are all part of the design process. Communication is crucial to solving these problems. Presenting a model can best explain to the customer what works and what doesn’t. That way the customer is much more informed about the manufacturing process and is reassured that their product will sell, and they are not left in the dark. Great designers strive to have a relationship with their clients to promote future editions of products, new markets for products, and a further road-map for design development.

In this instance, the team here at STI wanted to explore how the average household could use ZBuilder technology. We surmised that regular around-the-house; quick fixes would be an excellent use of the aptly named rapid prototyping. Of course, any user of rapid-prototyping would have to have some know-how of CAD, but with new products like ANSYS SpaceClaim, most of us around the office do.

ZBuilder materials are the best on the market, and the most reliable. ZBuilder uses a high-resolution Digital Light Processor (DLP) projector to solidify a liquid photopolymer producing the same tensile strength as other SLA systems. The ZBuilder models are yellow, so we used bronze spray paint to make the opposite handle. Take a look; you’ll never know the difference!

Zcorp understands the value of education. That is why on August 30 2011, Zcorp announced their collaboration with Congressman John Tierney (D-Mass) to launch the EngineeringZONE™ program initiative. This program provides unique and valuable engineering experience for high school students. The initiative concerns Tierney as he is committed to improving New England’s local economy and persistent high unemployment.

As the only New England Member on the House Education and Workforce Committee, Tierney has a special interest in the futures of New England students. He understands that jobs focused on technology that integrate math, science and engineering are in high demand, so he wants to engage those who are interested in these fields. But he also wants to reach and inspire those who are less knowledgeable and inexperienced. Tierney believes that if all New England high school students had a leg up on the job market, they could all have better success when they enter it. “The most recent initiative ensures that local students are aware of these new and creative job opportunities,” said Tierney.

Despite the recent economic struggles the country has faced, high tech manufacturing jobs are not dwindling. From 2008 to 2018 STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17 percent. Being familiar with Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology is in great demand. Students going into engineering fields will need to learn quickly what is required to tackle problems and create solutions in manufacturing. The best way for students to embark on this learning curve would be early exposure to AM vendors like ZCorp.

Scott Harmon is Zcorp’s vice president of business development. “We’re thrilled to open our doors,” says Harmon, “this is where the magic happens.”Because of initiatives like this one, budding engineers have been using Z Corporation 3D printers, called ZPrinters, at thousands of high schools, vocational schools and universities. Through this initiative, even more students will be exposed to 3D printing, now one of the fastest-growing innovations in manufacturing. Zcorp invites students to visit one afternoon a month to not only experience 3D printing, but also CAD software and 3D laser scanning technology.

As more manufacturers adopt the process, those who have experience with it will hone their competitive edge in design, technology, and manufacturing. 3D printing brings together all of these disciplines. This combats the skill crisis well-rounded individuals. The program will allow students the unique opportunity to experience state-of-the-art hands-on training for developing 3-dimensional physical models using CAD data. With experience in 3D printing, CAD design, and Additive Manufacturing, students will have a the competitive edge needed to work for companies like Black & Decker, Cisco Consumer Business Group, New Balance, Timberland and Pixar.

Zcorp is world-renowned for creating the fastest, full color, easiest to use and most affordable 3D printers on the market. The EngineeringZONE™ initiative introduces New England high school students to the wonder of making things. Students in the EngineeringZONE™ program will try their hand at some introductory computer-aided design (CAD) software and will make their own 3D printed models. If your high school is interested, contact STI for more details.

Are you using zp® 150 performance composite in your 3D printer? Zp® 150 material is necessary for any solid print, as it is the best powder system available. It is best to have zp® 150 performance composite set as the default powder on your system. No more choosing between powders,  the zp® 150 does it all.

Axle printed with new composite material

It is 90% whiter than zp 131, has a 125% larger color gamut than zp 131, and has highest green strength available. Green strength is the solidity, substance, and sturdiness of a part right out of the printer before any infiltrant is applied. It is now possible to create and print multifaceted parts with complex details that require the highest strength.

Parts with many intricate and tiny pieces, such as the axles pictured above, require the most powerful composite to hold it all together. The model’s green strength should be robust and stand on it’s own, and this is possible with zp®150 material.

With better color and whiteness of any previous materials used, it creates stronger models with better-looking final results. Using zp® 150 allows for a user-friendly, and shorter post-processing time as most parts can be removed right after the drying cycle is completed.