Re: FDM 1650 Questions

From: wayne l foss (wlfoss@cacd.rockwell.com)
Date: Wed Apr 01 1998 - 22:34:33 EEST


Ron Hollis wrote:
>
> For the experts of FDM, please provide some additional information to the
> following questions:
>
> 1) What is the typical build speed of the FDM 1650 (e.g. time/cubic
> inch,etc)
> 2) How long does it take to train on the system?
> 3) Could the unit be placed in a cubicle or standard office? Any negative
> effects?
> 4) What is the actual accuracy of the models?
> 5) What is the actual minimum layer thickness?
> 6) What is the typical part cost (e.g. part cost/cubic inch, etc.)
> 7) Can anyone operate the system efficiently (such as a system
> administrator)?
> 8) How long does it usually take to process files to build?
>
> All responses are greatly appreciated.
>
> Ron Hollis
> _________________________
> Ronald L. Hollis, P.E.
> 205-830-8121
>
> For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
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Ron,

We've had our FDM 1650 for about 18 months now and have had great
success with it. It is building parts to an estimated overall capacity
of 75%, based on a 7 X 24 week. I'll attempt to answer your questions
based upon my experience.

> 2) How long does it take to train on the system?

The basic training is at the Stratasys facility in the Minneapolis Mn.
area and is two days long. Advanced training of two days is also
available. Well thought out class with hands-on experience. Stratasys is
a very good company to work with and is concerned with your success.

> 3) Could the unit be placed in a cubicle or standard office? Any negative
effects?

Our system resides in my office which is the entire "lab" facility. The
modeler gives off very little if any odor/fumes and is fairly quiet. It
radiates some heat so unless your area is well air conditioned, you will
need a path for it to escape, such as a high ceiling or open ceiling
tile or a larger room. I'm still healthy, except for the foot in my
mouth.

> 4) What is the actual accuracy of the models?

As advertised which is around standard machined part tolerances.
However, there are sometimes slight problems with warping and the parts
get little "nubbies" in areas that overfill or at the start of a profile
path. I have not received any complaints concerning fit issues.

> 5) What is the actual minimum layer thickness?

The FDM 1650 can produce slice thicknesses from .007 to .014. The other
systems offered by Stratasys may differ.

> 7) Can anyone operate the system efficiently (such as a system
administrator)?

I was an SDRC I-DEAS administrator doing user support and training when
I convinced management to by our modeler. I no longer do that as I have
transitioned into a 75% RP support roll which entails All of the systems
functions. I process around 220 parts per year. It helps a lot if the
operator has a good CAD background along with a good mechanical aptitude
to do maintenance, but that can be acquired. I feel that attitude and
understanding of the RP industry is essential. The operator must have
the "faith" as they will be a spokesperson for the facility and also be
shot at by the opponents ( and it will surprise you as to whom they
are). The operator must be dedicated to the task for various reasons
such as maintenance, part consistency, facility management and
scheduling. I would not recommend allowing casual users as the 3D
printers advertise. Actually, I've heard of 3D printer facilities that
have had a dedicated operator.

> 8) How long does it usually take to process files to build?

It usually takes me up to two hours on some parts. Most of our parts are
fairly small, but highly detailed. The time needed is geometry dependent
due to part size and details.

> 1) What is the typical build speed of the FDM 1650 (e.g. time/cubic
inch,etc)

> 6) What is the typical part cost (e.g. part cost/cubic inch, etc.)

These two questions are very difficult to answer as they are geometry
dependent also. Every slice of the part may have a different road width
and fill density. This also effects the build speed, especially in very
detailed parts. I have had small, thin walled (.030) parts take longer
to build than parts that were much larger. My overall impression is that
the materials cost is very reasonable. But weighed against the parts
potential value to engineering, it is d..n cheap! If you are considering
purchasing a system, go for the FDM 2000 as the minimum. My advice, from
experience, is to get the biggest and best system that you can because
management will be much harder to convince next time.

Hope this helps,

Wayne

-- 
==============================================================================
- Wayne L. Foss                            wlfoss@cacd.rockwell.com
- Engineering Services                     Phone  319/295-2631
- Rapid Prototyping Specialist             FAX  319/295-5429
- MS 106-176
- Rockwell Collins	 
- 400 Collins Road, NE             
- Cedar Rapids, IA  52498-3161
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DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise indicated, this correspondence is personal
opinion and NOT an official statement of Rockwell Avionics &
Communications.
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