Roland DG has released its first 3D additive rapid prototyping machine, the ARM-10, as well as a new 3D subtractive prototyping and manufacturing machine, the SRM-20.
“We pioneered the concept of desktop 3D milling back in 1986 and we’ve used that ever since, but we’ve always recognised that product designers need a combination of technologies and skill sets in order to produce the mock-ups, prototypes and models that they need,” said Roland DG market strategy manager Peter Kettle.
“We were waiting for a point where the technology was good enough and affordable enough to launch a 3D printer. We’ve always looked at additive technologies at Roland DG, but it’s only really now that we feel like we’re comfortable with the technology, and with what we can offer, that we’ve decided to put it out.”
The ARM-10 printer can be used to quickly check a design in the initial stage of prototyping or modelling a complex shape. It incorporates a stereo-lithography process with a UV-LED projection system and builds models by successively curing layers of resin from a liquid resin vat.
Multiple objects can be produced simultaneously within the same work area, which can reduce modelling time when compared with methods that use lasers expose specific areas.
The printer features a build volume of 130x70x70 mm and prints with an XY resolution of 0.2 mm and Z axis resolution of 0.01 mm. It can print at 10 mm/hr using UV LEDs.
The SRM-20 desktop-sized milling machine includes a number of subtractive rapid prototyping features. The machine, which can be used for accuracy and smooth finished surfaces, has a new milling spindle, collet, circuit board and firmware.