Materialise and Structo Launch New Structo PrintWorks Build Processor

Belgium-based 3D printing software developer and 3D printing services provider Materialise teamed up with Singapore-based SLA 3D printer manufacturer Structo to create a dedicated build processor. The new PrintWorks build processor was developed to work exclusively with the line of Stereolithography 3D printers designed and manufactured by Structo. Their industrial-grade 3D printers use a patented Liquid Crystal Dynamic Mask Stereolithography (MSLA) technology that increases the machines’ printing speed and accuracy. The customized PrintWorks software platform aims to help Structo 3D printer users of any skill level gain the ability to prepare and process 3D models quickly and accurately before sending them to be printed and obtain the highest level of performance out of their Structo 3D printer.

The Structo PrintWorks software platform is fully integratable with the entire line of Structo 3D printers, including the high-capacity, industrial-scale RapidForm that was designed to offer a multi-purpose machine with uses in multiple industries. It also works with the high-resolution OrthoForm printer that was optimized for dental applications as well as the rapid prototyping-specific OmniForm printer. In addition to being some of the fastest SLA 3D printers on the market, Structo has also developed their own line of high-performance, industrial-quality polymer materials designed for a wide range of 3D printing applications including dental, engineering and low-volume manufacturing.

The PrintWorks build processor designed for Structo is the fifth printer-specific software package customized by Materialise for an industrial 3D printer manufacturer. Because there is no standard communication system for 3D printers, many of them use software that isn’t optimized for their machines. The Materialise build processors were designed to simplify the 3D printing process for industrial users and offer a streamlined, printer-specific experience by focusing on the printers strengths and removing extraneous or unnecessary functionality. Materialise has previously created custom build processors for Arcam, EOS, Renishaw and SLM Solutions.

Materialise custom build processor features.

Materialise developed the PrintWorks software to offer Structo users a whole range of new features and functionality without complicated the printing process. Users can quickly and intuitively analyze or edit 3D printing files and quickly add autogenerated support material. It also includes Materialise’s state-of-the-art slicing software that allows users to preview alternate build strategies in order to optimise material use, build time and part resolution based on the geometry and build requirements of the part.

PrintWorks will also allow any of the Structo printers to be upgraded to include seamless integration of the Materialise Magics 3D printing software. Magics offers a wide range of 3D printing enhancements, including easy model repair, advanced editing and support generation tools, the ability to 3D print parts in virtually any model format and quick model editing capabilities. Users can easily add textures, generate lattice structures, quickly cut or hollow out parts and add serial numbers or logos.

“We find that Magics and the accompanying Structo PrintWorks software, developed by Materialise, are world-class software products. Together, they offer the most advanced features and smooth workflow to give our customers the best possible user experience in going through file fixing, support generation and pre-print processing. Through this partnership, we are able to deeply integrate Materialise software with our hardware and offer the best-in-class turnkey solution for ultra-rapid prototyping,” explained founder of Structo Huub van Esbroeck.

Both Materialise and Structo will be exhibiting together and officially launch their Structo PrintWorks software for users of the Structo line of 3D printers at the upcoming Inside 3D Printing Conference and Expo Singapore taking place January 26th to the 27th. Visitors of the conference are encouraged to stop by their joined booth to find out more about the fast and high-resolution Structo 3D printers and the industry-leading Materialise software. Readers of 3DPrint.com can save 10% on registration for Inside 3D Printing by using discount code ‘3DPRINT’ at checkout. Tell us your thoughts on this new processor in the Structo Build Processor for 3D Printing forum over at 3DPB.com.