Editor’s Pick: New platform for resin printing

Zortrax introduces a new resin 3D printing system designed for use with leading resins from top independent developers. 

The system consists of three parts. The first is the Inkspire 2, which Zortrax calls an “industrial-grade” UV LCD 3D printer. The second is the Zortrax Cleaning station; the third is the Zortrax Curing Station. The three are designed to work with high-quality resins including those from BASF Forward AM and Henkel/Loctite. 

Zortrax says BASF and Henkel have tested and approved the Inkspire 2 system, which allows the company to guarantee prints meet “all thermal and mechanical properties declared for the resins.” 

The company says its updated process allows manufacturers to use their LCD approach not only for prototypes, but also for final production parts, saving the cost of moving production to a fused deposition modeling system. 

The company says a new light engine at the heart of the Inkspire 2 makes  possible Zortrax’s claims of production-ready prints. The light engine is said to provide the same levels of UV exposure evenly across the entire build platform, “regardless of whether the models are placed in the center or on the edges of the platform.”

Zortrax says some of the resins tested and approved for the Inkspire 2 have previously only been certified for use on DLP systems. Four resin lines are certified: elastomeric resins; rigid/tough resins; castable resins; and basic resins. 

The company says the user experience has improved from earlier models, making it easier to operate. There is a resin level sensor that can notify the user if there is insufficient liquid in the resin vat. The unit also features closed air circulation and HEPA filters.  

Zortrax says the new cleaning station removes excessive resin from surfaces, while the curing station provides the crucial UV curing while preserving dimensional accuracy. 

The Zortrax Inkspire 2 3D resin printer with cleaning and curing stations is now available directly from the manufacturer. For more details, click here. 

Watch a brief video here.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.