How does the Z Corp process work?

• There are two chambers within the Z Corp printer. A feed chamber filled with the powder on the left, and a build chamber where the actual part is made on the right.
• The build chamber drops slightly while the feed chamber lifts slightly.
• A roller spreads a fine layer of powder across the build side.
• The inkjet printer head sprays a binding liquid on the cross-section of the part where it solidifies the powder.
• The roller returns to the powder chamber where it lifts as the build chamber drops and the process of spreading a layer of powder and spraying the binding liquid repeats.
• This is done until the part is complete.
• Excess powder is brushed off and recycled.
• For a step-by-step guide and pictures of this process click here!

How is design information transmitted to the manufacturing process?

• The Z Corp printer accepts solid models in STL, VRML, and PLY file formats.
• The user loads the solid part into the Z Corp software. The software is equipped with 3-D viewing, labeling and scaling functionality.
• The user can select the thickness of the layers and the part gets transformed from a 3-D image into a 3-D solid part.

What materials does the process use?

• Z Corp printers use the zp250 material process.
• This includes the zp250 powder made of starch and plaster, binder and flexible epoxy infiltrant.
• These materials are both accurate and durable which is great for functional testing.

What are the size and shape limitations on the parts?

• The maximum build size for the ZPrinter 310 Plus is 8" x 10" x 8".
• Layers can be made as thin as 0.0035".
• The Z Corp printer can virtually print a part of any shape.

How much do parts cost?

• Compared to other rapid prototyping technology, Z Corp printers use relatively cheap materials. A finished part costs $0.10 per cubic cm.
• To get an idea of how much that is, a part that could fit in your hand would cost about $10 to manufacture.
• With the Z Corp printer, unused materials are recycled so you never have to worry about paying for materials that you don't use.

How quickly can parts be manufactured?

• Z Corp 3D printers are the fastest commerical 3D printers available.
• Compared to other rapid prototyping technology, which can take days to produce a part, it is about 5 to 10 times faster.
• The rate of production using a Z Corp 3D printer is about 1 inch per hour (25mm per hour). This is roughly 2-4 layers per minute.
• Multiple parts can be made at the same time which also reduces production time.