Objet Connex 3D Printing
Connex 3D Printing, also known as PolyJet, is a very fast method of turning your CAD files into solid models, in both rigid Shore D materials and soft Shore A. It also produces parts with very small build lines, compared to other processes, allowing you to receive very smooth surfaces with very little finish time. With the Connex upgrade, our Eden 500v can print two materials at once, allowing you to receive not only dual-shot overmold prototypes, but a wide variety of combined materials and properties.
MATERIAL PROPERTIES
Compared to SLA's, the Shore D materials are generally stiffer, and in many cases, SLA's are often the better choice compared to Connex 3D printing for rigid parts. The shore A materials all have poor tear strength properties, so they can tear easily. The Tango Plus materials have a really good elongation, making them the only PolyJet material that will actually "stretch."
Why choose Connex?
Speed. 3D Printing is fast, in fact in terms of total lead time (measured from when you say "go" to when your parts are available to ship) the Objet Connex is the fastest process we have, hands down. We can often receive an order in the morning, and ship parts out that same day.
Shore A parts. Objet Connex is the best process in the industry for creating soft, elastomeric parts, printed directly from your CAD files. Applications such as grips, gaskets, and bumpers can all be printed and delivered to you quickly. Better mechanical properties, colors, and other cosmetics can be achieved with our RTV molding and cast silicone processes, but when you just need a couple soft parts, and need them fast, this is it.
Dual Shot. The most exciting news to hit the RP world in quite some time has definitely been the dual shot capability of the Connex. Now, you can supply two CAD files that over-lap, and have those printed in two different materials, or a blend of two materials. This is a great way to simulate over molds, and dial in custom durometers for prototype applications.
There are some times where an Objet Connex part can do a great job at proving out a design, and other applications where it's likely not your best choice, please speak with your Estimator to decide which is best, and be sure to contact us if you'd like to see a sample!
