Stratasys Introduces New and Improved Objet Connex3 3D Color Printer with Creative Colors Software

Stratasys has always been at the front of the 3D printing industry in terms of developing new, never-before-seen technology. For example, in 2014 they broke new ground by introducing the world’s first multi-color, multi-material 3D printer, the Objet 500 Connex3. Since then, multi-color and multi-material printers have been pushing their way into the market, but they’re still not common; whenever a new one is introduced, it tends to draw a fair bit of attention. Stratasys, for their part, has just come out with a new and improved multi-color and multi-material 3D printer in the form of the redesigned Objet Connex3.

Stratasys unveiled the enhanced printer at SOLIDWORKS World 2016, taking place in Dallas, Texas this week. The Objet Connex3 may be cutting-edge, but newcomers to 3D printing shouldn’t be intimidated – the printer was designed to be simple, accessible and easy to use.

“Looking at standard technology adoption curves, there’s normally a tremendous lag between potential and reality. With 3D printing, while the promise might be great, customers are still restricted by both complexity and cost, to a degree,” said Josh Claman, Chief Business Officer at Stratasys. “Stratasys is committed to enabling wide adoption of 3D printing, stimulating unprecedented creativity, new flexibility and dramatic innovation. Now, we’re teaming with Adobe to take this vision additional steps forward, ensuring 3D printing is easier and more attainable. The Objet Connex3 is the only 3D printer on the market with the power to merge multiple materials and colors into one system alongside a highly streamlined and integrated workflow. With greater ease-of-use and an improved price-performance ratio, Stratasys is therefore expanding 3D printing adoption through simplification.”

The partnership with Adobe was a major player in the improved features of the Objet Connex3. Adobe 3D Color Print Engine is powering the new Stratasys Creative Colors Software, which introduces new color options and makes the design-to-print process smooth and easy. The software links the Connex3 with Adobe Photoshop CC, and allows for designers to easily detail their color models with textures and patterns. There’s also a much wider color spectrum than before, with gradient color palletes. Currently, the Objet Connex3 is the only printer on the market to be integrated with Adobe Color Management software.

“Partnering with Adobe, a world leader in creative software products, aligns with Stratasys’ vision to make the color 3D printing experience as simple, powerful and rewarding as possible. The integration of Objet Connex3 with Stratasys Creative Colors Software and the resulting explosion of color possibilities is an important milestone in fulfilling this vision,” said Dan Yalon, EVP Business Development, Strategy and Vertical Solutions, Stratasys. ”Furthermore, our relationship with Adobe not only continues to push the envelope of 3D printed realism, it also promotes our goal to make 3D printing more accessible, bringing enhanced color solutions to new important communities, such as Adobe’s creative designers.”

Stratasys’ parts-on-demand service, Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, has also been integrated into the workflow; users can send their color files directly to the service from Photoshop CC, at which point they will be provided with a direct quote, validation and preview. The software produces highly realistic 3D models, so that what you see on the screen looks pretty much exactly how the final print will look.

On an additional note, Stratasys has also added two new materials to their Rigid Opaque material for Objet Connex3. Vero PureWhite is 20 percent brighter and more UV-resistant than standard VeroWhite, and VeroCyan has been improved to be brighter and more vibrant.

The Creative Colors Software comes bundled with all new Objet Connex3 printers, but if you already own an older Connex3 260, 350 or 500, you can purchase the software separately. What do you think of this new and enhanced release? Discuss in the Stratasys Objet Connex3 Printer forum over at 3DPB.com.

See a demo of the software below: