3D Printer FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

What is 3D Printing?

Breakthrough 3D printing technology - office-friendly and available in five models.

How does the Dimension process work?

Based on the patented Stratasys FDM® process, Dimension builds functional 3D models from the bottom up, one layer at a time with tough, durable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.

STL files are imported into Catalyst® EX Software which automatically slices and orients the parts and creates any necessary support structures. The software automatically plots a precise deposition path for Dimension to follow. ABS plastic (in filament form within auto-loading cartridges) is fed into an extrusion head, heated to a semi-liquid state and accurately deposited in layers as fine as 0.007-inch (0.178 mm) thick. After completion of the build, support structures are simply removed.

ABS plastic is heated to a semi-liquid state and deposited in thin layers by a patented extrusion head.

Catalyst software automatically determines when and where to deposit ABS or support material throughout the build process.

How does 3D Printing fit into the design process?

For a growing segment of designers that depend on 3D solid CAD, Dimension 3D Printers are quickly becoming an essential extension of their overall CAD system and a critical part of the entire design process.

Accelerating Time to Market - Accelerating Time to Market - Dimension 3D Printers help organizations shorten design and development cycles and ultimately get products to market more quickly by enabling users to easily fine tune design and explore multiple design iterations. .See how Parvus Corporation used Dimension to quickly get parts into production.

Generating Bottom-Line Savings - Generating Bottom-Line Savings - by enabling a highly collaborative and efficient design process, Dimension 3D Printers have organizations significantly lower production costs, reduce expensive revisions late in the development cycle and ensure products' gross profit potential. EOIR Technology's Dimension system paid for itself in just two months.

Enhancing Communication and Collaboration - Dimension 3D Printers help bring ideas off the flat screen and produces functional 3D models that can be easily shared, critiqued, and improved. Dimension also allows designers to easily communicate a design's true features to key audiences, including management, marketing, vendors and customers. Learn how Graco Inc. engineers quickly experimented with various designs.

Creating Better Designs - with desktop access to Dimension 3D Printers, designers are no longer limited in the number of 3D models they can produce and test, resulting in more creative designs and better final products.

Ensuring Confidentiality - Dimension systems eliminate the need to exchange confidential design files with service providers, allowing companies to maintain product confidentiality and control.

How durable is ABS?

Unlike appearance prototypes produced in weak materials, Dimension parts built in ABS or ABS Plus (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) have been used for functional and field tests - from wind tunnel testing to camera mounts on a M2 Bradley tank and a spray gun running at 60 psi.

Is post-processing required?

Once a model is removed from the build chamber, simply remove the model from the build foundation and break away (BST Systems) or dissolve (SST Systems) any support structures. No further post-processing is required and the model will retain its shape and accuracy indefinitely.

ABS parts can be sanded, milled, drilled, tapped, painted and even electro-plated.

Are there any special facility requirements necessary to install a Dimension system?

No. Dimension 3D Printers are designed for use in the office. The systems operate quietly and there are no noxious fumes or toxic materials that require venting and/or special handling.

Can more than one user process files and print parts on Dimension?

Yes. Dimension 3D Printers are a network devices. Catalyst® EX Software comes with a site license so you decide who (and how many) users may process files and send parts to the system.

Where can I see a Dimension system?

Check our to see a listing of upcoming shows and seminars.Check News and Events to see a listing of upcoming shows and seminars, or Find Your Dealer for a personal demonstration

What workstation operating system is required to run the system?

Catalyst® EX Software is compatible with Windows® XP and Windows Vista® operating systems.

How can I get software upgrades?

Software upgrades are automatically sent to all customers covered under our warranty and maintenance agreements.

Are colored materials available?

Yes. Standard ABS colors are white, black, red, blue, green, gray, yellow and red. Custom colors may be ordered. ABSplus™ is available in natural, dark gray, red, blue, nectarine, fluorescent yellow, olive green and white.

Why are so many designers choosing Dimension 3D Printers?

There is tremendous demand among designers in multiple industries for an easy, office-friendly and cost-effective way to produce quality, durable 3D models that can be used to evaluate design concepts and test functionality.