3D printing is gaining momentum as printers investigate how they can profit from this exciting technology. Leading brands will exhibit 3D printing solutions that will ignite opportunities in this sector and take visitors' businesses to another dimension at the Africa Print Expo, taking place from 22-24 July 2015 at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Highlights include:
Roland
The platinum expo sponsor will exhibit the ARM-10 3D printer, which is suitable for quickly checking a design in the initial stage of prototyping or modeling a complex shape. Incorporating a stereo-lithography process with a UV-LED projection system, the ARM-10 builds models by sequentially curing layers of resin from a liquid resin vat. Simultaneous production of multiple objects can be accomplished within the same work area to reduce modeling time in comparison with methods where lasers expose specific areas. Roland’s imageCure resin becomes semi-transparent when cured and post-processing procedures such as support removal and polishing are simple to do. By adopting a suspended build system, resin consumption is minimised.
Rapid 3D
Highlights on the interactive Kemtek stand include 3D printing systems from Rapid 3D, including the Mcor IRIS paper printer, Zortrax M200 and various samples from Rapid 3D’s printer range.
The Mcor IRIS is designed for Paper 3D printing. Standard office paper is affordable so you can print more models every day. Mcor’s patented ink penetrates through the paper, resulting in high colour fidelity and photorealistic models. Paper 3D printing is quiet, non-toxic and safe. Paper, water-based glue and ink can all be fully recycled, even the 3D printed models themselves can be recycled.
The Zortrax M200 carefully reproduces the dimensions of any 3D model, so you can print highly detailed elements, knowing that each copy is exactly the same. It can also print on a variety of materials.
Graphix Supply World
GSW will exhibit the AFINIA H480, which has the added features of Auto-Leveling Platform Calibration and Nozzle Height Detection for fast and easy setup and reliable printing results. The Afinia H-Series 3D Printer provides a true 'Out-of-the-Box 3D Printing Experience' as the 3D Printer comes fully assembled with easy to install software for both the PC and Mac. The nozzle detection feature measures the nozzle height to ensure that it is the correct distance from the printing surface prior to printing.
The company will also showcase solutions from the Cubify 3D system range. Cubify gives you thousands of 3D printables at your fingertips: fashion that is print to fit, hacks for your hobbies, crafts for your home and custom toys for your kids. Layer by layer you can 3D print at home with a Cube or get something cloud printed and sent to you. Cubify also has many accessories to choose from.
Mimaki is also working on a multi-coloured 3D printing system with unique new features that will be launched soon.
Rectron South Africa
Rectron will exhibit the MakerBot® Digitizer™ Desktop 3D Scanner. Its easy to use, yet sophisticated software creates clean, watertight 3D models that are ready to 3D print. It works seamlessly with MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printers, but you get standard design files to use on the 3D printer of your choice. You don’t need any design or 3D modeling skills to get started and you can digitally capture and preserve your physical mementos, creations, precious objects as well as prototypes, etc.
Also being showcased is the MakerBot® Replicator 2® Desktop 3D printer, which allows you to create professional-quality, high-resolution prototypes and complex models; the MakerBot® Replicator ® 2X experimental 3D printer, designed for 3D printing experts; the MakerBot® Replicator® Mini, which allows you to transform a small desk in your home or classroom into an exciting creative centre as well as the MakerBot® Replicator® Z18, which allows you to make extra-large and ultra-tall industrial prototypes, models, and products.
Entrance to the expo is free. Pre-register online, attend the expo, and you could win R1000 cash. Africa Print is co-located with FESPA Africa, Sign Africa and Africa LED.
