At this time last year, most consumers still considered 3D printers a relatively new product.  And yet in the short span of a year, the technology became known to just about everyone, whose demands were instantly nothing short of science fiction.

Although 3D printing itself has been around for decades, 2011 gave the industry more exposure than usual.  From the social media buzz regarding the National Geographic wrench, to the controversy over copyright concerns stemming from the Penrose Triangle dispute, 3D printing found itself cast into the spotlight.  The secret was out.

3D printing was even used as an argument for moving to a resource based economy by Zeitgeist: Moving Forward, which claims; “3D Printing now has the potential to transform virtually every field of production”.  And finally no industry would be complete without being exploited and utilized by the criminal element.

With such high expectations, it’s no surprise that the industry itself is behaving more like a mature industry, although it clearly has enormous growth ahead of it. Few could have predicted that by the end of January 2012, 3D Systems would be completing their acquisition of ZCorporation.  Even as recent as early Q4 2011, industry insiders spoke in hush tones when discussing the prospect of a 3D Systems bid on ZCorporation.  Some thought it would take several months, while others insisted it would face scrutiny.  Less than 3 months later as the acquisition comes close to completion, it’s evident that this industry moves as fast as the products it creates.

Already the ZPrinter brand has been welcomed into the 3D Systems family, being added to the Professional line of 3D Printers.  Between the ZPrinter and ProJet series, 3D Systems now boasts the most complete line of 3D Printers on the market today.

Certain to be a benchmark year for 3D Printing, 2012 will surely generate far more promise and excitement than it has in years past. Solid Technologies, Inc. will continue to deliver the same innovative technology offerings it has in the past with the addition of new products from our new partner 3D Systems.  ZPrinter contracts will have no interruption in their service and Solid Technologies, Inc. will work closely with 3D Systems to ensure a seamless transition for current ZPrinter and ZScanner customers.  Look for updates on our website, industry portals, Facebook, and twitter.  Also expect to see new 3D Printing resources in future newsletters. Happy New Year, and thank you for continuing to allow Solid Technologies, Inc. to be your total 3D solutions provider.

If you’ve been considering a purchase of capital equipment or software, End of Year 2011 is the time to make your move.  Known as the Section 179 deduction, most new and used equipment, including software, qualify for an immediate tax deduction.  As opposed to taking smaller write offs on the equipment over several years.  The maximum deduction has been raised to $500,000 for the remainder of the year.

From the IRS website

You can elect to recover all or part of the cost of certain qualifying property, up to a limit, by deducting it in the year you place the property in service. This is the section 179 deduction. You can elect the section 179 deduction instead of recovering the cost by taking depreciation deductions.

Basically, purchasing new equipment between now and the end of 2011 will allow you to completely write off the purchase in April on your 2011 return.  (Up to $500,000)

This is an excellent incentive for small business owners to purchase the capital equipment they need now!  This deduction can also be used in conjunction with a lease.  Contact Solid Technologies, Inc. for details regarding leasing.

Top 5 Ways ANSYS SpaceClaim Helps Machinists

ANSYS SpaceClaim 3D Direct Modeling Software makes CAD simple with 4 simple commands.  Using the Pull, Move, Fill, and Combine commands, it’s easy to edit and optimize models for manufacturing, as well as to create complementary models such as fixtures.

Traditional feature-based CAD was developed for engineers to create detailed models and associated documentation. However when it’s time to make parts, complicated constraints and internal dependencies can hamper the success of the job. Too often, manufacturing experts can get caught up in the theory of CAD and lose focus on getting their parts to market.   If the designs aren’t right, it can be difficult to make the changes on-the-fly.  Instead, change requests need to go back to the design team.  ANSYS SpaceClaim’s unique user interface enables anyone to work in 3D but, it is not a lifestyle like other complex CAD systems. Engineers who aren’t CAD specialists — and don’t want to be — can learn ANSYS SpaceClaim in hours not weeks.

With ANSYS SpaceClaim’s Trace Parts integration you can convert your old .dxf and .dwg files into useable 3D data.  Import and transform 2D to 3D with a simple sketching tool, that allows you to draw in 2D and creates 3D models automatically.

Clean dirty and corrupted geometry with simple, automated repair tools such as Stitch and Missing Faces.  Take incomplete CAD data made up of surfaces and turn it into solid geometry with ease.

It’s easier to accurately convey the manufacturing process using ANSYS SpaceClaim.  Clearly articulate your machining steps in a simple to follow 3D fashion with notes and dimensions.

Work in a familiar 2D environment and save files as .dxf and .dwg.  Even modify the model while in a 2D view.

Remove or adjust rounds and chamfers, hole sizes, face offsets, draft angles and other geometry with no knowledge of how the model was built.  ANSYS SpaceClaim provides simple tools to optimize the model and prepare for machining tasks.

Let ANSYS SpaceClaim 3D Direct Modeling software simplify your manufacturing process.  Skip the complexities of traditional CAD systems, win more bids, reduce waste, and get parts and products to market faster.