A working prototype of a stereo speaker produced on the Objet Connex3 3D printer, using Stratasys Creative Colors Software. (Image courtesy of Stratasys.)

SOLIDWORKS World 2016 has seen major software and hardware releases from Stratasys. The company announced the release of its Creative Colors Software and Objet Connex3 series of 3D printers.

Objet Connex3

Stratasys is aiming to increase the adoption of additive manufacturing technology in the manufacturing industry with the new Objet Connex3 3D printer.

The Objet500 Connex3. (Image courtesy of Stratasys.)

Boasting a simplified design-to-3D print workflow, greater ease of use and an expanded color spectrum, the Objet Connex3 is intended to be Stratasys’ most versatile printer yet. It combines multiple systems in a single multi-color and multi-material offering, to reduce 3D printing’s footprint on the shop floor.

The ability to combine materials, textures and colors in a single part means a reduced upfront investment for new users as well as decreased post-production costs associated with painting, sanding, machining or over-molding.

According to Stratasys, the Objet Connex3 can produce highly intricate parts with the same appearance, form and function as those produced using conventional manufacturing technologies.

“The Objet Connex3 is the only 3D printer on the market with the power to merge multiple materials and colors into one system alongside a highly streamlined and integrated workflow,” said John Claman, chief business officer at Stratasys.

The new 3D printers include two new materials:

Vero PureWhite: a rigid, opaque white producing 20 percent more brightness and UV resistance than VeroWhite
VeroCyan: improved with a brighter, more vibrant appearance

The Objet Connex3 series includes the Objet260 Connex3, Objet350 Connex3, and Objet500 Connex3.

Creative Colors Powered by Adobe

The new Creative Colors Software is the result of a joint venture between Stratasys and Adobe. It is powered by Adobe’s 3D Color Print Engine and is made for Stratasys’ Objet Connex3 3D printers.

Stratasys announced a new direct color workflow from Photoshop CC to Stratasys Direct Manufacturing parts-on-demand service. This allows users to send their 3D files from within Photoshop CC directly to Stratasys Direct Manufacturing for 3D printing.

Typical workflow for 3D printing models with multiple colors and materials. (Image courtesy of Stratasys.)

The software is designed to streamline printing workflows and provides users with expanded color spectrums, improved texture and pattern support and color previews. It comes bundled with new Objet Connex3 3D printers, but it can be purchased separately for existing Objet Connex3 systems.

Streamlined design-to-3D print workflow with Stratasys Creative Colors Software. (Image courtesy of Stratasys.)

“Partnering with Adobe aligns with Stratasys’ vision to make the color 3D printing experience as simple, powerful and rewarding as possible,” said Dan Yalon, Stratasys EVP business development, strategy and vertical solutions.

Stratasys customers at SOLIDWORKS World 2016 also expressed their excitement.

“The ability to print prototypes with the same color and texture as the finished product has significantly increased our speed in developing new eyeglass frames,” said Vladimiro Baldin, chief product design and creation officer at Safilo.

“Now, using the Objet Connex3 3D Printer with Stratasys Creative Colors Software, we can push the creative boundaries even further, quickly responding to market trends and reducing our prototyping cycle from three days to just three hours,” Baldin added.

For more information, visit the Stratasys website.