EnvisionTEC
EnvisionONE cover image
Envision One Dental
EnvisionTEC is starting off 2019 with an exciting new release, which has received tremendous interest during the handful of late 2018 events where it has been previewed. Created by an experienced team of 3D printing engineers, the Envision One is an end-to-end solution comprising brand new, easy-to-use design software. Its parameter optimisation capabilities promise accurate parts every time with minimal supports.
The Envision One cDLM (Continuous Digital Light Manufacturing) will launch with two models: the Envision One cDLM Dental and the Envision One cDLM Mechanical. Both systems have a native XY resolution of 93 µm and a dynamic Z resolution ranging from 25 to 150 µm, depending on the material being used. Meanwhile, EnvisionTEC’s patented Contour Gray Scaling technology allows for 60 µm XY resolution capability in both. The Dental model has a build envelope of 180 x 101 x 85 mm and the Mechanical model adds a higher Z-height capability of 175 mm.
The Envision One boasts the ability to print large, flat surfaces quickly with incredible accuracy and high reliability.
Traditionally, big and flat surfaces are more difficult to build successfully on DLP and SLA printers that print upside-down due to separation forces and gravity. One solution has been to hollow the parts and orient them at an angle to reduce surface area and therefore separation forces. However, by angling the parts, the accuracy is compromised, and the build takes longer due to the increase in the number of layers. EnvisionTEC’s patented cDLM technology overcomes this problem by eliminating the separation forces. Large parts and/or multiple parts with flat surfaces can be built easily and with no loss of accuracy. This allows the Envision One to print six average orthodontic full arch models flat on the build plate, with no supports needed, within 15 minutes. The Envision One cDLM can print up to 50 mm per hour at 100 µm resolution.
Another detail about the Envision One is that the LED light source is utilising a 385nm wavelength, delivering higher accuracy, especially on clear parts, than is possible with projectors running 405nm LED light sources. The shorter wavelength reduces the bouncing of light, producing crisper details. The UV glass optics also reduce inaccuracies associated with ageing (yellowing) of plastic optics over time, so that the Envision One’s accuracy remains consistent. The Envision One also automatically self-calibrates the light so that an operator doesn’t need to do this. Remote diagnostics to the machine help to predict any potential failure before it happens, giving operators peace of mind when leaving the machine unattended.
EnvisionTEC
EnvisionTEC dental arches
Orthodontic arches printed in E-Model Light and E-Orthoshape.
The Envision One cDLM joins several other cDLM options offered by EnvisionTEC as the lowest-cost solution available. The cDLM technology was officially launched in early 2016, based on a patent-protected approach to continuous 3D printing developed over a decade earlier. One of the most important features of EnvisionTEC’s patents surrounding the cDLM method of continuous 3D printing is in the resolution of the dome effect.
Continuous 3D printing relies on adding a layer of oxygen below a piece of oxygen-permeable film covering the build area. That film allows oxygen to penetrate and create a dead zone on which to free-print. However, there is a problem with this. That slight amount of oxygen pressing against the film causes a dome effect, therefore when free printing over this domed film, even the free space has a dome to it. Accuracy is affected by this because you are no longer 3D printing on a true flat surface.
EnvisionTEC has developed a patent-pending, cost-effective material tray to compensate for this dome effect and control the pressure of oxygen across the build area so that it is evenly distributed for a perfect flat build surface when continuous 3D printing. This allows the Envision One and other cDLM 3D printers to offer an astounding 1 µm accuracy in the Z direction. This domeless material tray has an average life of 250-300 jobs.
The Envision One cDLM product line offers a world of possibilities at an entry-level price for a professional 3D printer. With unbelievable speeds, amazing accuracy, and patented technology that will boost your productivity and still remain user-friendly, you’re going to want more than one.
For more information: www.envisiontec.com
