Raise3D shows the path to Flexible Manufacturing with new Pro2 Series 3D printers and corporate services
Global 3D printer manufacturer Raise3D is upping the stakes of desktop additive manufacturing with the release of its new Pro Series 3D printers. The series, which consists of the Pro2 and Pro2 Plus, is aimed squarely at the manufacturing sector and at Flexible Manufacturing in particular.
Flexible Manufacturing, for those unfamiliar, refers to a connected network of 3D printers that enables scalable production at an affordable cost. Also known as 3D print factories or 3D printer farms, Flexible Manufacturing is where industrial desktop 3D printing technology is increasingly headed.
From N2 to Pro2
With its N2 3D printer series generally lauded as one of the best desktop 3D printers on the market until today, Raise3D is in a favorable position to push desktop 3D printing even further and realize its Flexible Manufacturing potential.
In fact, that’s exactly what the company intends to do with the new Pro2 3D printer series, which reportedly offers some of the fastest dual printing speeds and a print accuracy 16 times better than the market standard. The company adds that though the Pro Series may resemble the N2 in appearance, the former boasts industrial-grade components, improved usability and increased reliability.
As a growing trend in the production sector, Flexible Manufacturing is specific to additive manufacturing technologies, and FFF 3D printing in particular. The low cost of the 3D printer units paired with ease-of-maintenance, a low learning curve and manufacturing freedom allows for FFF 3D printing to address the changing priorities of the manufacturing sector.
Raising the stakes of customization
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for custom and individualized products and experiences. This has marked the beginning of a shift away from our existing system of globalization and mass production. Now, thanks to production methods like 3D printing, the manufacturing sector has an option for economically viable small-batch production.
Even in its current stage, additive manufacturing has a number of advantages over traditional manufacturing processes. The cost of manufacturing equipment and setup are notably lower, the turnaround times for prototype iteration and product development are much faster, the technology offers more design freedom and its small-batch capacity makes it conducive to customization.
Within the AM sphere, Flexible Manufacturing (or the ability to network a group of FFF 3D printers) also offers benefits. Notably, the cost of machines, materials and maintenance is relatively low; the technology offers multi-material production capacity; it is easy to operate and the risk of hardware obsolesce is minimal.
Flexible manufacturers “raising”
As Raise3D points out, Flexible Manufacturing is also a dependable and prudent entryway into industrial additive manufacturing, as it provides flexibility in terms of the “parallel production of parts of different materials” and the “parallel production of different batch sizes.”
Ultimately, as the manufacturing sector turns increasingly towards Smart Manufacturing—itself characterized by flexibility and adaptability—Flexible Manufacturing is becoming a key competitive factor.
In line with its goal to “Pathfind Flexible Manufacturing,” Raise3D is preparing to offer its Raise3D Corporate Package Services in late September 2018 and the first customized solutions for selected Vertical Markets by the end of the year. Interested businesses are invited to contact Raise3D to discuss opportunities in Flexible Manufacturing.
