Stereolithography (SL), the first 3D-printing technology, has seen continued innovation in equipment, materials, and application know-how in recent years and has one of the largest globally installed bases of all additive manufacturing technologies. However, SL technology, in its current state of advanced development, has often taken a backseat to news generated by the wide array of emerging AM technologies.
At the recent Rapid & TCT 2017 expo, Union Tech Inc., and their US distributor, RP Sales America, encouraged exhibit attendees to explore SL by examining the UnionTech™ line of SL equipment and parts built on those machines. They also offered activities featuring the benefits of SL as a tool that expands and even transcends rapid prototyping solutions.
Everyone who stopped by the booth was impressed with the capabilities of today’s stereolithography technology and UnionTechTM’s equipment that exceed many ingrained perceptions of SL as a prototyping-only solution. Many attendees were enthusiastic about incorporating the demonstrated advances in material that dramatically increase toughness and temperature capabilities and application possibilities, such as metal-clad composites and lightweighted structures, into future projects as a means to further growth. Aspects of the UnionTechTM RSPro SL product line that also impressed attendees were the freedom of material choice and the overall cost-effectiveness of the product line.
Photo Caption: Participants in the Virtual Reality (VR) demo booth, with its unique look at lightweight designs and patterns for investment casting, walked away in awe. Most agreed that interacting with 3D parts at large and small scales gave them an eye-opening perspective of the potential of VR and additive manufacturing. RP Sales America plans to add additional VR experiences, including training on the UnionTechTM equipment. Check back for updates at: www.rpsales.us
Photo Caption: This footstool (18”x10”x10”), keeping with RAPID’s Pittsburgh-inspired bridge theme, was produced on UnionTechTM’s intermediate-sized machine, the RSPro 600. It caught attendees’ attention as they walked the aisle. Once participants touched the extremely smooth surfaces and complex features, made possible by SL, they quickly moved over to explore the UnionTechTM machine on display. Check back for updates on this “metal-clad composite SL bridge stool project” at: https://uniontech3d.com
Photo Caption: While attendees were impressed with the available large platform capabilities, they were also equally impressed with the detail and resolution possible at a very small scale.
Photo Caption: The UnionTech™ RSPro 600 SL machine on display allowed attendees to have an actual hands-on examination of its robust construction, open design (relative to materials and machine control), and range of build platforms, setting the equipment apart from other AM options. Two of the UnionTechTM machines are on display at RP Sales and are available for parts testing. To learn more, email info@RPSales.us, call 641-651-0266, or visit www.rpsales.us
Union Tech Inc.
Established in 2000, the UnionTechTM brand of photopolymer 3D printing equipment is the domestic China market leader in stereolithography. In 2016, the formation of Union Tech, Inc., in St. Charles, Illinois, a fully owned subsidiary of Shanghai Union Technology Corporation, marked our expansion into North America. International distributorships and agents have also been established throughout Europe and Russia. RP Sales America is the US distributor for Union Tech Inc. equipment.
For more information about the UnionTechTM equipment available in the United States: https://uniontech3d.com/
RP Sales America, Inc.
Based in New Sharon, Iowa, RPSA distributes the Union Tech Inc. RSPro line of stereolithography equipment and is pleased to provide demonstrations. RP Sales America, Inc., through its sister company, RP Support America, Inc., ensures technical support and service of the UnionTech™ RSPro SL product line. To learn more, email info@RPSales.us, call 641-651-0266 or visit www.rpsales.us
