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University upgrades to Multi-Material printing

When Objective3D upgraded Victoria University of Wellington's 3D printer to an Objet 500 Connex multi-material printer, it opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

The Objet 500 Connex is able to print flexible and rigid materials simultaneously, with over 120+ digital materials available. It is this technology that allowed Victoria University's Richard Clarkson to design and print his 'Seamless Blossom Project' - the world's first inflatable 3D printed flowers.



"This project is the exploration of what we can start to do with 3D printers," said Richard Clarkson. "The flowers came about by the idea of trying to create this organic form from this totally inorganic process."

An interactive display, the flowers open and close as air is moved into the internal chamber. No electronics are used.

Multi-material printing reduces the number of steps and processes involved to produce a single part of assembly. Flexible and rigid materials are printed simultaneously, reducing assembly time and former design constraints.

The Objet Connex series are available in several models with build platforms ranging from 26x26x20cm (Objet260 Connex) to 50x40x20 (Objet500 Connex).

RedEye Australasia, the largest FDM service bureau in the southern hemisphere, offers Connex multi-material parts, and discounts for existing Stratasys machine owners.

To find out more about the range of Objet Connex multi-material printers, and the new Connex3, colour multi-material printer, click here.


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