Hi:

I work for a medical device company in Ireland.

We currently have a Dimension SST rapid prototyper which we purchased over two years ago. We are currently looking for a new system which has a better capability and performance.

I was looking on the web and saw your product. How does your product compare to the latest technology in rapid prototyping or could you recommend what's the best system available? I know it depends on price and you pay for what you get, but what kind of rapid prototyper would you get for approx €60 -€100k and what extras and spec would be better compared to the Dimension SST.

Regards
DO

David:

We are a publishing and consulting company and don't supply these machines ourselves.

However, considering your budget and the nature of your company, there are several ways to go:

1) Stratasys - You could stick with the same FDM technology, but get more precision and material versatility by going to Dimension's parent. Probably a good choice if you're happy, but not a major leap ahead.

2) 3D Systems - Stereolithography will offer more precision, but not great latitude on material properties. Probably a little costly for you, too. InVision machines might be more appropriate for you, but FDM makes better end-use parts.

3) Objet Geometries - Fairly expensive, and similar to InVision above, but higher precision, better finishes. Connex500 model offers 2 materials simultaneously, but probably out of your range. Material costs high for these machines, but probably more versatile properties.

You should also look at these sections on the site for general bkrd info:

http://home.att.net/~castleisland/ind_c.htm

http://home.att.net/~castleisland/faq/faq_c0.htm

http://home.att.net/~castleisland/rp_int1.htm

Find ALL the commercial producers on the planet starting here:

http://home.att.net/~castleisland/com_d.htm

Regards,
Ed Grenda
The Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping