Figure 4 Technology
Figure 4 printers are a flexible and efficient printer that uses a projector-based Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) system that produces high-fidelity parts from a broad range of materials. The printer uses a projector-based radiation source for an inverted printing system that enables very high print speeds and new material chemistries that provide production-grade properties. Applications include communication of 3D shape, assembly prototyping, physical testing, and more.
The three-dimensional solid parts that are printed consist of an ultraviolet (UV) curable material. The operator pours print material, also called "resin," into the print tray. Using a proprietary radiation projector that 3D Systems has developed, a UV-radiation pattern is cast onto the underside of the print tray and through to the bottom of the material. This UV radiation causes a phase change in the material that converts it into a solid polymer, making it adhere to the Print Platform. After a layer has cured, a motor tilts the print tray to peel the bottom of the printed part off the print-tray film. Then the elevator moves the Print Platform up by one layer length. Then the UV pattern for the next layer is projected. This process repeats, layer by layer, until the build file is complete. The Print Platform, along with the part, is removed from the printer and the part is cleaned and post-cured to provide a finished part.
Best Practices / Training Videos
For more information on how to improve your parts, learn about other materials, advanced finishing and orientation / supports you can visit the following sites:
Best Practices
Figure 4 Standalone : https://support.3dsystems.com/s/article/figure-4-standalone-best-practices-guide-landing
NextDent 5100: https://support.3dsystems.com/s/article/nextdent-5100-nextdent-5100-best-practices-landing
Figure 4 Modular: https://support.3dsystems.com/s/article/figure-4-modular-modular-best-practices-landing
Figure 4 Jewelry: https://support.3dsystems.com/s/article/figure-4-jewelry-jewelry-best-practices
Training Videos
Figure 4 Standalone: https://support.3dsystems.com/s/article/figure-4-standalone-video-library-landing
NextDent 5100: https://support.3dsystems.com/s/article/nextdent-5100-video-library-landing
Figure 4 Modular: https://support.3dsystems.com/s/article/figure-4-modular-video-library-landing
Figure 4 Jewelry: https://support.3dsystems.com/s/article/figure-4-jewelry-video-library-landing
Material Tips (Figure 4 Series only)
For tips on which materials are recommended for which use cases here along with tips on getting the best print results and Support Presets to use, please see the Figure 4 Materials.
Support
Similar to SLA technologies, a support structure needs to be generated to print a part. See the Smart Supports command for details on how to create and edit supports for Figure 4 printers.
Build Styles
Build styles can be applied separately to parts using the Build Style command.
Auto Placement
The Auto Place for Figure 4 printers will place parts by default in a linear pattern from the center of a printing area.
See more information in the Auto Place command.
See Also
