By investing an undisclosed sum in Israeli 3D printing start-up Massivit, Stratasys has signalled that it might still be in the market to bring machines bigger than its current range into the fold.
Massivit’s largest printer to date has a build area of 1.5m x 1.2 m x 1.8m – yes, that’s metres – with giant prints made possible through its patented gel technology, a UV sensitive polymer.
The material benefits according to Massivit are its non-flammable properties, its good structural strength similar to ABS materials, relatively low fluidity parameters and ‘Smart Support’ structures, with the entire system patented.
The technology allows for relatively thick layers, while the mechanics can dispense and cure each horizontal layer at a reported one metre per second.
Stratasys‘ investment will be used to accelerate development and deployment of their 3D printing solutions – with the company only beginning commercial installations in September 2015.
The companies already share a connection in its company leaders, including Massivit CEO Avner Israeli, a former general manager for its global and strategic accounts division, and Massivit co-founder Gershon Miller, previously a co-founder of Objet, prior to its merger with Stratasys.
With the current Stratasys line-up build sizes maxing out at the 1000 x 800 x 500 mm Polyjet mixed-material Objet1000 Plus, and the 914 x 610 x 914 mm FDM Fortus 900mc, the new solution would make an interesting addition to the family, should the company have an option to increase its investment in the future.
