3D Printer

ProJet MJP 2500 Plus

Model: We have a ProJet MJP 2500 Plus stereolithography 3D printer by 3D Systems. Check the product home page for more details. The printer was installed in the Fab Lab in January 2020.

Purpose: Choose this printer to create parts that need very fine or precise geometries, e.g., to create matching parts of a housing, or parts that require holes of very precise diameters.

Precision: The ProJet creates the smoothest surfaces and most precise geometries of our 3D printers. The surface finish of printed parts can be perfectly smooth, comparable to plastic injection molded parts — even for curved surfaces that usually show "steps" in FDM printers like our Dimension or Ultimakers. Its resolution of 32 µm (800–900 dpi) is high enough to print metal screw threads, and the support wax technique allows for sharp edges, similar to CNC-milled parts.

Speed: This printer is much slower than our FDM printers when printing a single part. For example, a single 10 cm high figurine (laid flat) will print about 9 hours. However, it will take the same time to print several parts (or copies of a part) if placed correctly next to each other on the build plate, in which case it is about as fast as our FDM printers.

Processes

The following processes can be done with the ProJet 2500 Plus

Supported Materials

Build volume: 294 x 211 x 144 mm. The 3D Sprint control software makes it easy to split larger prints into multiple parts to glue together later, including automatically adding connecting pins.

 Material: The ProJet prints with photopolymer resin, and uses wax as support material. We have clear, white, grey, and black standard resins, a more durable clear resin with ABS-like qualities, clear and black elastomer resin for rubber-like parts, and a material that resists higher temperatures (90º). The printer can only print using one color and type of resin at a time.

 Post-processing: This is fairly easy, since the wax support material is melted away in a special oven, then remaining wax is removed in an oil bath. Total time is around 45 minutes for small parts, most of which is waiting for the wax to melt away in the oven. 

Safety: Like with all photopolymer resins, handle uncured (liquid) resin with gloves to avoid allergic reactions. Finished parts are safe to handle as they come out of the printer. The support wax is standard paraffin wax (like candle wax) and is normal household waste. Use gloves during post-processing to avoid contact with the mineral oil or isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Open the window while you are in the room for ventilation. Close it when you leave.

Supported Files

Projects

This printer is part of the special equipment that we operate as partners of the RWTH Excellence Startup Center.