A New Dimension in 3D Printer Pricing?

By DE Editors

The Dimension SST 1200es (left) and BST 1200es (right) 3D printers from Dimension 3D Printing Group.

The Dimension 3D Printing Group, a business unit of Stratasys, Inc. (Eden Prairie, MN), has announced new lower pricing for its Dimension 1200es line of 3D printers. The price for the BST model is now $18,900 (formerly $26,900) and the SST version is $32,900 (formerly $34,900).

The Dimension BST (Breakaway Support Technology) 1200es and the Dimension SST (Soluble Support Technology) 1200es incorporate the same technology. The difference between the two is that the Dimension SST 1200es features an automated support removal station that uses a soapy bath to wash away support structures. The BST 1200es uses break-off support structures.

The Dimension 1200es series offers a maximum build size of 10 x 10 x 12 inches (254 x 254 x 305 mm). They print three-dimensional models in 0.010-inch (0.245 mm) or 0.013 inch (0.33 mm) layers of thermoplastic and support materials. Both use ABSplus, a material said to be about 40 percent stronger than standard ABS thermoplastic, and which produces stronger functional models with improved surface finish. ABSplus comes in autoload cartridges, and a single cartridge holds 56.3 cubic inches (922 cu. cm.) of material. Color material options include black, blue, fluorescent yellow, gray,  olive green, natural, nectarine, and red.

A prototype shock assembled from models made with the Dimension 1200es 3D printer.

The network-ready 1200es are controlled by Catalyst EX,  Windows XP/Vista software that automatically imports STL files from your CAD solution, orients the part, slices the file, generates any required support structures, and creates the deposition path that builds your model. It also provides the capability to create multiple models within the build envelope as well as queue management and build time, material, and general system status information. Dimension 3D Printers run unattended and can broadcast system and build status information via e-mail, pager, or the Internet.

The Dimension SST 1200es.

“To get the build size of the 1200es and the strength of ABSplus model material, all at a price beginning at under $20,000 is an incredible value,” said Jon Cobb, vice president and general manager of 3D printing for Stratasys in a press statement announcing the new pricing. “We want to help our customers reap the benefits of this technology in shortening development cycles and improving product design even at a time when many are experiencing tighter budgets.”

For more information on Dimension 3D printers, visit the Dimension 3D Printing Group website.

Dimension 3D Printing Group

Stratasys Corporation

Go here for specifications on the Dimension 1200es line of 3D printers.

Read more about Dimension SST 1200es.

Read more about Dimension BST 1200es.

See how 3D printing can be used.

Read why DE’s editors chose Dimension 1200es 3D Printers as their Pick of the Week.