New Machine from 3D

From: Terry Wohlers (Wohlers Associates)
To: RP-ML
Date: Thursday, November 2, 1995
Subject: New Machine from 3D
Yakov,
> A new machine from 3D? Anyone have info.?
     On October 24, 1995, 3D Systems announced a new technology called Multi-Jet
Modeling (MJM).  They say it is the size of a medium size copy machine and can
be used in an office environment.  As you know, copy machines range in size
from a small table-top unit to the large machines you see at Kinko's Copy
Centers.  The MJM machine uses jetting technology to print successive layers of
a thermoplastic material.  They didn't give a name nor did they describe the
physical properties of the material.  The machine's print head consists of 96
jets oriented in a linear array.  Information on speed was not available, but I
would expect it to be reasonably fast given the number of jets.  Soligen uses
128 jets and they can solidify 13 - 19 vertical mm per hour in a 300 mm cube
work volume.  The MJM machine "could" be faster because it doesn't have to
spread a layer of powder.  
     As for part cleanup, the company says it requires no special tools or
chemicals.  Moreover, the system does not require any ventilation or climate
control.  3D Systems has installed evaluation units at two customer sites. 
Additional shipments are planned for November and December.  The finished
product is expected next year.  3D said that a range of office modelers are
under development at the company.  3D Systems did not give the build volume or
price of the MJM system.  I'm sure that the MJM technology will be discussed at
Autofact '95 in Chicago.  
Terry Wohlers
Wohlers Associates