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Frequently Asked Questions about
T612 Benchtop and T66 Benchtop
- What is the function of the T612 Benchtop and T66 Benchtop?
- What kind of technology is it?
- Are the T612 Benchtop and T66 Benchtop similar to an SLA machine?
- What kind of tolerance can these Solidscape systems hold?
- What kinds of materials do these machines use? Are they hazardous? What are the melting temperatures?
- How big are the droplets?
- What is the minimum feature size?
- How long can these Solidscape machines run between refill of materials?
- How can I get an estimate of how long it will take for the machine to complete my model?
- Can other materials be used to build models with the Benchtop series?
- Do you offer different color InduraCast and InduraFill?
- Can I paint the models I create?
- Can parts be glued together?
- Can the models be investment cast?
- Can the parts be used with RTV molds?
- What is the license type of the proprietary software (ModelWorks™) for slicing, preparation, etc. Is it site, floating, or locked?
- What is the minimum configuration required for the PC to support the Solidscape systems?
- Can these parts be cast in titanium?
- What Rapid Tooling Processes can be used?
- What are the site guidelines?
- What are some of the CAD programs that designers use?
- What type of CAD file do the Solidscape systems accept?
- Does design software, such as SolidWorks come with the machine?
- What is the warranty on the machine? Does it include on-site service?
- Does Solidscape offer a user training course?
- Can different models be built at the same time?
- Can a model be built using different layer thickness?
- Can I use a Macintosh with a Solidscape system?
- Q: What is the function of the T612 Benchtop and T66 Benchtop?
A: From files generated by using popular CAD software, the T612 Benchtop and T66 Benchtop systems build very accurate 3D models, droplet-by-droplet (6,000 to 12,000 per second!!), layer-by-layer out of a thermoplastic material. Models produced are accurate to 1 thousandth of an inch per inch in the X, Y and Z dimensions.
- Q: What kind of technology is it?
A: Solidscape's technology is based on the same process as an inkjet plotter. There are two inkjet heads, both depositing a material. One head deposits a cyan thermoplastic material (InduraCast) - similar to an investment casting wax. The other deposits a purple wax (InduraFill) that serves as a sacrificial support material for the model and is dissolved in a mineral oil bath after the model is complete.
- Q: Are the T612 and T66 Benchtop systems similar to an SLA machine?
A: No. SLA models are normally used as concept models. Our process takes you several steps further toward your final part. Models built on the T612 and T66 Benchtop systems are the most precise models on the market today.
- Q: What kind of tolerance can these Solidscape systems hold?
A: ± one thousandth per inch in X, Y, Z dimensions per linear inch.
- Q: What kinds of materials do these machines use? Are they hazardous? What are the melting temperatures?
A: The materials are called InduraCast and InduraFill—all manufactured on-site at the Solidscape factory in Merrimack, NH. The materials are non-hazardous. The melting point for InduraCast is 203° to 230° F (95° to 110° C) and for InduraFill, it is 120-158° F (49-70° C).
- Q: How big are the droplets?
A: About 3 thousandths of an inch in diameter (.076 mm). This means that a model that is only one inch on a side contains about 40 million drops.
- Q: What is the minimum feature size?
A: 10 thousandths of an inch (.254 mm).
- Q: How long can these Solidscape machines run between refill of materials?
A: All systems can run for approximately 72 hours between refills.
- Q: How can I get an estimate of how long it will take for the machine to complete my model?
A: The machine provides an estimated build time and the geometric volume via the ModelWorks software.
- Q: Can other materials be used to build models with the Benchtop Series?
A: No. InduraCast and InduraFill are the only materials at this time.
- Q: Do you offer different color InduraCast and InduraFill?
A: No, not at this time.
- Q: Can I paint the models I create?
A: Yes, using certain types of paints, such as Testor and Plasti-Dip.
- Q: Can parts be glued together?
A: Yes. We recommend clear nail polish as the adhesive.
- Q: Can the models be investment cast?
A: Absolutely! In fact because there is no ash or residue contamination from the InduraCast and a negligible co-efficient of thermal expansion, our models are ideal for casting.
- Q: Can the parts be used with RTV molds?
A: Yes.
- Q: What is the license type of the proprietary software (ModelWorks™) for slicing, preparation, etc. Is it site, floating, or locked?
A: It is a site license.
- Q: What is the minimum configuration required for the PC to support the Solidscape systems?
A: We recommend, as a minimum, a Pentium 400 running Windows 2000 Professional, XP Professional or ME with 64MB of RAM and 500 Mb of free disk. Additional RAM may be needed if you are using very large .STL files.
- Q: Can these parts be cast in titanium?
A: Yes.
- Q: What Rapid Tooling Processes can be used?
A: MCP EP250, Investment Casting and Vacuum Casting to produce silicone molds.
- Q: What are the site guidelines?
A: 115 ± 10% VAC and requires a dedicated 20 amp circuit. For most international systems, 230 ± 10% VAC and requires a dedicated 15 amp circuit. The T66 Benchtop weighs 88 lbs. (40 kg) and the T612 Benchtop weighs 96 lbs. (44 kg). The 230V vacuum weighs 58 lbs. (26 kg) and the 110V vacuum weighs 38 lbs. (17 kg). The T66 Benchtop is 22.0 in. (55.88 cm) wide x 19.5 in. (49.53 cm) deep, 19.5 in. (49.53 cm) high; the T612 Benchtop is 28.0 inches (71.12 cm) wide x 19.5 inches (49.53 cm) deep x 19.5 inches (49.53 cm) high. Lab/Office ambient temperature should be between 60-80° F. Vacuums are factory configured for 115 or 230 VAC.
- Q: What are some of the CAD programs that designers use?
A: JewelCAD, Pro/E, AutoCad, Mechanical Desktop, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, CADKEY, CATIA, Rhino, I-DEAS, Magics RP, JewelSpace 2 and 3 Design.
- Q: What type of CAD file do the Solidscape systems accept?
A: .STL and .SLC are fully supported.
- Q: Does design software, such as SolidWorks come with the machine?
A: Design software is not included and should be purchased in the open market. The systems include only Solidscape's ModelWorks™ software.
- Q: What is the warranty on the machine? Does it include on-site service?
A: The T66 and T612 Benchtop systems come with a 90 day Return-to-Factory warranty in the US.
- Q: Does Solidscape offer a user training course?
A: A: Yes. Training for one person is included in the price of each system. Additional people may attend at additional cost. T66 and T612 Benchtop User Training is provided as part of the unit installation. Additional or customized training can be arranged by contacting us through the Customer Support Help Desk.
- Q: Can different models be built at the same time?
A: Yes, however they must all be built at the same layer thickness.
- Q: Can a model be built using different layer thickness?
A: Yes. Models can be built with varying thickness of 1 half thousandth, 1 thousandth, 1½-thousandths, 2 thousandths, and 3 thousandths of an inch.
- Q: Can I use a Macintosh with a Solidscape system?
A: There are several fine 3D design packages for the Macintosh that produce .STL files. While Solidscape's ModelWorks software is a PC only program, it has been run on a PowerBook G4 Aluminum running Panther with Virtual PC 6 running Windows 2000 Professional and ModelWorks 6.5. While exhaustive testing has not been done, it appears to work without problems.
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