Increasingly, additive manufacturing vendors are demonstrating how their 3D printers can rapidly prototype functional objects. Objet Ltd., for example, recently demonstrated a full-size folding stool able to support over 100 kg (220 lb).  Objet engineers printed the stool in a single print job, using the new Objet ABS-like Digital Material (RGD5160-DM) – an advanced material that is jetted as a composite material on the Objet Connex multi-material 3D printer.

The folding stool, which sits 48 cm (19 in.) off the ground, has similar  dimensional stability, thermal resistance, and toughness as ABS-grade engineering plastics, enabling it to repeatedly sustain the weight of a person.

Said Gilad Gans, executive vice president, “Whether skateboards or folding stools, the prototypes that come out of Objet Connex 3D printers look like the real thing and also perform like the real thing. Not only can this stool carry the weight of a person, but it was actually printed in the fold-up position in a single print job and then opened-up upon removal from the printer to be used.”

The ABS-like Digital Material is a high-impact material (65-80J/m or 1.22-1.50 ft lb/in.), with high-temperature-resistance (65°C or 149°F and after thermal post treatment 90°C or 194°F). The material lets you functionally simulate products made of ABS-grade engineering plastics, including snap-fit parts, durable and movable parts and products requiring drop-testing.

With this new Digital Material, the number of Objet 3D printing materials is brought to a total of 65, including 51 composite materials (Digital Materials), for a wide range of rapid prototyping purposes, enabling realistic product visualization to advanced functional verification.

Objet Geometries Ltd.
www.objet.com