The new J55 Prime 3D printer from Stratasys is billed as an ‘extra value’ model, as the brand fills out its updated Polyjet family around the J55 launched in 2020, with this and the new desktop J35 Pro model.
The J55 Prime sees Stratasys add a new set of versatile materials to the proven J55 form, providing tactile, textual, and sensory capabilities in addition to existing full colour.
Fitting into the line-up at a sub $100k price point, the printer can print in multiple materials for design verification prototypes, as well as functional models and biocompatible prototyping.
Materials at launch include:
- Elastico Clear and Elastico Black for flexible, soft-touch printing that simulates the look, feel and function of rubber-like products
- Digital ABS Ivory for high impact designs such as moulds, jigs, fixtures and functional prototypes
- Vero ContactClear, a translucent material designed for prolonged skin or bodily contact such as medical devices, sport wear, or wearables
- Ultra-opaque colours, enabled by the VeroUltra family of materials, introduces 2D level graphics and text, vibrant and accurate colours with better plastic simulatio
Like earlier models, the J55 Prime is billed as being ‘office-friendly’, with a compact design, odour-free and quiet operation (under 53 decibels – apparently the same as your kitchen fridge), although the realities of support removal often means a separate workspace is a preferable choice.
Available immediately, shipping is expected to begin in July 2021.
Taking it further, designers can incorporate simulated products or fillings, like cosmetics, makeup or liquids, for further prototyping realism.
The Packaging software solution will soon be available through GrabCAD Print and is compatible with Stratasys J8 Prime, Stratasys J7 Series and Stratasys J55 Prime 3D printers.
“Ultra-realistic models make the idea real for our clients, enabling an accelerated decision-making process. We are a long way from the bland all-white models we produced prior to 3D printing – today the possibilities are endless,” said Jeremy Garrard, director of market development, design and R&D for Quadpack, a global packaging provider.
