Objet Geometries Ltd. announced the new Connex500. Based on Objet's breakthrough technology, PolyJet Matrix, the Connex500 opens a new chapter in rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing. Prior to the introduction of Connex500, Objet offered seven FullCure model materials. With the new system, it is possible to produce parts and assemblies with 21 new Digital Materials, as well as the seven original materials.

    The Connex500 prints parts with specific Shore A values, a scale used to indicate material hardness in soft, flexible materials. Consequently, users of the machine can match the Shore A values to those of production materials. The Connex500 is capable of producing prototypes of products that use over-molding in the manufacturing process. The new system offers virtually unlimited opportunities for emulating the look, feel and function of final products more closely than was previously possible.

    Connex500 offers, for the first time ever, the ability to print parts and assemblies made of multiple model materials, all in a single build. Pushing the revolution even further ahead, the Connex500 also fabricates Digital Materials on the fly, enabling users to create composite materials that have preset combinations of mechanical properties. The machine provides compelling cost and time advantages for applications that would usually require the gluing of separate parts made of different materials and for end-products that involve double injection molding.

    Adina Shorr, CEO of Objet Geometries stated: "We have never been more excited about a launch of a new system. We believe that the Connex500 introduces breakthrough technology to the world of design and manufacturing. We are certain the new system and materials will meet a broad range of needs in new product development at a large number of organizations around the world."

    The new system can print multi-material parts in a single build process that eliminates the difficulties and expense of the traditional process. What's more, the system is capable of fabricating translucent models that can aid in medical applications by showing nerves, tumors and other areas of interest. Printing 600 x 600 dpi in both the x and y axes, the Connex500 enables thin walls down to 0.6mm, fine details in all dimensions, and a smooth surface finish-assuring high quality for every part, regardless of geometric complexity. Precision printing, with a maximum tolerance of 0.3mm over large models, ensures accuracy and repeatability.

    The Connex500 offers three printing modes. The DM mode operates at 12mm per hour in 30-micron layers and is used for Digital Materials and multiple model material printing. The HQ mode builds parts at 12mm per hour in 16-micron layers and the HS mode runs at 20 mm per hour in 30-micron layers. The Connex500's build volume is 500 x 400 x 200 mm. The Connex500 comes with new Objet Studio Software that was especially designed to assign multiple materials to STL files and create files that include different material types, assemblies and model characteristics.