www.engineeringnews.co.nz 27 The print speed is also significantly better, says Hayden. “The ProJet is able to create a near production-quality part within hours. I have one current order for 120 identical parts. The ProJet will print these in 18 hours, whereas an FDM printer will take close to an hour each.” Faultless performance An added advantage, says Hayden, is the ProJet’s ease of use and reliability. “Every time something fails it costs you money, time, materials and the potential to lose a client.” But the only downtime Hayden has experienced with the ProJet came after a major electrical storm damaged the mother board and it needed to be replaced. Otherwise, the ProJet has performed faultlessly. “I’ve not had a single issue. In the seven months I’ve had it, I’ve run around 150 prints and not one has failed.” By comparison, it took Hayden close to six months to ensure consistent print results from his FDM devices. Dreaming big Hayden’s dream is to buy 10 top-end 3D devices like the ProJet, set them up in a warehouse and have a team of keen 3D printers by his side. And now he’s not daunted by the prospect of getting enough work. “I know that within a year it would be paying for itself. That’s been my experience with 3D printers. It’s the number one creative element that most businesses should actually have either access to, or have in-house.” Something to smile about Today, Hayden’s clients range from local people requiring a one-off part for their lawnmower, to corporate marketing departments, to manufacturers requiring prototypes all year round. His love for 3D hasn’t diminished over time either. “I’m now dealing with people who are creative and innovative. They set goals and achieve goals - it’s revitalising. It just puts a smile on my face every day.” As for having a supportive partner, Hayden says that Fuji Xerox has been ‘fantastic’ and shares his passion and excitement for the 3D devices they sell. immediately. The ProJet was earning its keep within three months.” True to design, fast and highly accurate printing Hayden now uses his ProJet 2500 Plus for parts or items requiring a high degree of accuracy or complexity. Simple low-res parts are still designated to run on his FDM printers. “The ProJet outputs parts which are true to design,” says Hayden. “You can design something on the screen, and the ProJet can print it to within 50 microns. It can print writing that’s a millimetre high and still legible. At a bare minimum, its accuracy is about five times greater than the FDM devices can produce. They really struggle with fine detail, whereas everything the ProJet prints is crisp, and highly accurate.”
EN-Feb18-eMag
To see the actual publication please follow the link above