3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) has launched a manufacturing platform that is fully integrated, scalable and modular. The manufacturing platform known as Figure 4 has a plastic parts production rate that is 50 times faster when compared to the existing systems. With the platform, manufacturers are able to enjoy reduced operating costs thereby giving them a competitive advantage.
“We believe our breakthrough Figure 4 platform will revolutionize manufacturing by transforming production of both mass customized and complex end use parts with a compelling total cost of operations versus conventional methods,” 3D Systems president and chief executive officer, Vyomesh Joshi, said.
Configurable and customizable
The new platform also lets users configure it in a way that suits their operations. Users are also able to choose materials for specific applications. Some of the configurations that can be made include choosing between single-print and multi—print engines. With multi-print engines, everything becomes fully automated. This is especially suitable for production systems of high volume. There is also integrated post-processing and automated material delivery.
One of the first customers to purchase the new manufacturing platform was a Fortune 50 company. 3D systems intends to ship more such manufacturing platforms to more customers throughout the year. 3D Systems also plans to launch a solution for the dental industry that will be based on NextDent materials and Figure 4 platform. The solution will be exhibited in cologne, Germany throughout this week at the 2017 IDS – International Dental Show.
Dental sector
In the dental sector, the 3D Systems’ chief executive believes the 3D printing market could be worth about $3.7 billion. This is because 3D printing offers numerous advantages to the sector including higher accuracy and faster production speeds. According to Joshi, the Figure 4 platform can print crowns numbering between 20 and 30 in under 15 minutes while ordinary systems would produce one crown in that time.
Besides the dental sector, 3D Systems plans to take the use of Figure 4 platform to other industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare and sectors involved in the manufacture of durable goods.
On Monday 3D Systems Corporation rose by 0.82% to close the day at $14.76 a share.