Z-Corporation - 3D printing technology

An interesting design and technological solution in rapid prototyping systems is that developed by Z-Corporation USA. The principle of the device operation consists in depositing alternately the layers of liquid binder and powder of properly prepared granulation. The process uses two chambers – the feed chamber (the left chamber) contains the material which is to be deposited on the layer of binder; in the other chamber (the right one), called the build platform, the prototype is being made. The binder is deposited by a printing head; the powder is fed by a piston and spread by a roller mechanism.

The cycle is repeated alternately until the process completes. Then the system is let stay still for one hour to make the binder harden through. After this time, loose powder is delicately removed and pattern prototype is taken out from the build chamber. The strength of the part is still low, and therefore it must undergo the process of after-hardening. This is achieved by pattern impregnation with varnish, e.g. Capon, or with liquid epoxy resin of high dilution ratio. After this treatment, the pattern is ready for making the dies in silicone rubber, object visualisation, moulding, etc.

At present, different types of these devices are available. The Foundry Research Institute has got two of them, i.e. Z-Corporation Plus 310 / monochromatic printing/ and Z-Corporation Spectrum 510 /colour printing/.

• Building rate (depending on the type of the device and pattern size) - 2-8 layers/ mimute,
• Thickness of layers - 0,076-0,254 mm,
• Maximum pattern dimensions - 203mm x 254mm x203mm,
• Power feeding - 230 V alternate current,
• Printer weight - about 140 kg,
• Overall dimensions – vary in different types.

• Different branches of industry,
• Metalcasting,
• Architecture,
• Object visualisation,
• Medicine,
• Museology
• Advertising,
• Others.