The ProJet MJP 2500 is possibly of the most interesting new products of 2016. It is a completely new machine and it represents the first concrete result of the acquisition that 3D Systems made, two years ago, of Xerox’s Oregon-based Solid Ink Engineering and Development teams. The fact that Xerox is involved is not casual as the ProJet 2500 could become as widespread a system as the copy machine.
In the name of Xerox
The ProJet MJP 2500 is based on 3D Systems’ version of inkjet 3D printing, that is MultJet Printing (MJP). However the cost and size of this systems mean that they are going to replace the ProJet 1500, which is a DLP-based a system. In short this means that the new machine may not become a 3D printer for all but certainly for many.
“Honestly, when I saw it at CES in January I was really excited,” says Andrea Barchi. “It is a smaller machine, completely user friendly, able to print in very high quality and with 5 beautiful materials. That’s because the ProJet 2500 uses next-generation resins similar to those seen on the larger 5500X. At present, these include ABS-like, polypropylene-like, a beautiful semi-transparent and, finally black and white elastomers.”
Like a smartphone
The display, which is based on the Android operating system for even greater accessibility, provides all the necessary information. A complete operator menu enables users to to easily perform maintenance and material change. 3D Systems’ management promises very little waste of time and materials during this operation.
Style first
The printing platform can be used on both sides, an ingenious automatic retention system locks the platform in at the start. The inkjet print head runs along three lanes. If the parts to be produced do not extend beyond the first section, the ProJet 2500 works at maximum speed. In case more space is needed the machine will run its print head on two or even al three lanes. In this case, the machine is still very fast and the junction point between the parts is invisible to the naked eye.
Materials matter
The polymerization process is activated by two LED emitters mounted under the head. All calibration and alignment processes are managed automatically by the machine, leaving very few manual tasks to be undertaken by human operators.
The ProJet 2500 is available in two versions, Standard and Plus. The first allows you to print in hard black and white material; the second also supports the transparent material and the two elastomers. As for its competitor’s systems, an upgrade can be performed at any time.
“The cartridge lading system is state of the art,” Andrea says. “along with top notch resolution capabilities this could worry not just the competition but also the Projet’s ‘older sisters’ currently on the market. In the first tests that carried there seems to be no substantial qualitative differences between the upper surfaces and those in contact with the support material. This time in 3D Systems we are really breathing in the fresh scent of innovation and we cannot wait to have the 3D printer available to purchase.”