Mar 19, 2018 | By Tess
Spanish dental 3D printer manufacturer Microlay is preparing to release its latest additive manufacturing system: the Microlay Versus. The new DLP 3D printer is built to offer prints with superior precision and repeatability for the dental market.
The Microlay Versus follows the company’s first dental 3D printing unit, DentalFab, which was released in 2016. The new model improves and expands upon the original system in a number of ways.
According to Microlay, repeatability was its top priority when developing the 3D printer, and the results of its labor seem to have paid off.
“We know that within certain sectors, such as dental or scientific research, not only precision but also predictability and repeatability are essential,” says the company. “And although we often find 3D printers in the market that are capable of achieving good results, we find the problem that these results are not always repeatable due to the large number of variables that can affect the success of an impression.”
These variables include the orientation of a print and its placement on the build tray, support generation, chamber temperature, optics, and more. To ensure that the Microlay Versus would be able to overcome repeatability challenges, the company says it “carefully analyzed” each factor that could affect print quality, predictability, and repeatability.
Let’s take a look at some of the measures Microlay has taken to guarantee quality prints.
First, the Madrid-based company says it has developed a hot air heating system for the printer’s build chamber which can maintain the “optimal microclimate” for a given 3D printing resin and improve print quality from the material front.
The printer is also equipped with a UV light source with a wavelength of 385 nm which is reportedly capable of solidifying even the most transparent resins without affecting their color or clarity. A “dedicated optical module” optimizes the printer’s projector system for the best results depending on what light source (385 nm or 405 nm) is in use. This module was included to reduce inconsistencies and imperfections caused by the projector in the margins of the print bed.
Other notable features include a print speed of up to 50 mm per hour (in height), WiFi connectivity (or USB connection), a built-in camera for monitoring ongoing print jobs, remote control of the printer, and external filters to ensure quality prints even in dusty environments. As a bonus, the Microlay Versus 3D printer also boasts low maintenance costs (due to a reusable tank) and a low power consumption of about 140W.
Microlay’s latest 3D printer is sure to have the dental industry smiling because of its many features. The cost of the new system has not yet been disclosed, however.
Full specifications for the Microlay Versus:
Build Volume | 125 x 70 x 180 mm |
XY Resolution | 65 µm |
Max. Z Resolution | 1 µ |
UV Light Calibration | Automatic |
Light Source | 385 or 405 µm UV LED |
Connectivity | WiFi, Ethernet, USB |
Dimensions | 350 x 424 x 624 mm |
Weight | 45 kg |
Software for supports | Print Studio |
Compatible materials | Third party materials Detax, Dreve, NextDent, Pro3dure, Funtodo, GT Medical |
Posted in 3D Printer
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