ZARE installs Italy’s first 3D Systems ProX SLS 6100 3D printer

Italian service bureau ZARE, based near Bologna, has installed the country’s first ProX SLS 6100 3D printer from 3D Systems. The ProX SLS 6100 3D printer employs selective laser sintering to produce durable prototype and production parts in a wide range of industrial-grade nylon materials. The system features fast build times, automated production tools including automated material handling, and a lower total cost of operation compared to similar 3D printers.

Originally focused on CNC machining, ZARE expanded its offerings to include additive manufacturing services in 2009 and has grown its business every year since. The company is now solely dedicated to additive manufacturing. The company is a first adopter of the latest technologies, focusing on both prototyping and – increasingly – on final parts production. Among other systems, it was the first company in Italy to install the latest 4-laser system from SLM Solutions.

ZARE first became aware of the ProX SLS 6100 at the Formnext 2017 exhibition where it was on display at the 3D Systems booth. It then worked with 3D Systems’ Italian channel partner 3DZ on the purchase and installation.

“We liked the quality of the parts we saw at Formnext in November and had been evaluating the system ever since,” said Andrea Pasquali, general manager, ZARE (learn more about Mr. Pasquali’s vision on our latest Executive Interview). “We chose the ProX SLS 6100 3D Printer because its speed, part quality and powder handling process are truly revolutionary in 3D printing. We are in a very competitive business and are averaging a two to three-day turnaround for parts and products. The ProX SLS 6100 will ensure that we maintain this customer commitment while delivering the highest quality parts to our customers.”

ZARE services customers in a variety of different industries including Motorsports, Aerospace, Automation and Packaging, Oil & Gas, and Medical and Dental. One example of the applications the newly installed ProX SLS 6100 is helping them address are parts for packaging machinery.

“We recently used the ProX SLS 6100, even before our training had been completed, to 3D print test brackets for an automated packaging system using 3D Systems’ DuraForm ProX HST Composite material which is fiber-reinforced and has high-temperature resistance,” explained Pasquali. “This kind of advanced additive technology will help us take our business, which is now primarily rooted in Italy, to a global market.”

ZARE’s fleet of 3D solutions also includes 3D Systems Geomagic Design X 3D scanning software which it uses to offer its customers reverse engineering services.

“I am pleased to join 3D Systems in communicating the first ProX SLS 6100 installed in Italy.  The ProX SLS 6100 is a perfect solution for businesses like ZARE that need to produce highly accurate parts with an excellent surface finish that can withstand the rigors of daily use,” said Andrea Simeoni, CEO, 3DZ. ”This installation at ZARE, one of the largest 3D printing service bureaus in Italy, should pave the way for other Italian businesses to begin enjoying the advantages of 3D Systems’ SLS 3D printing solutions.”

“The Italian market is very important to 3D Systems and installations at premium customers such as ZARE are one of the key reasons why we have named 3DZ as our official Master Reseller in Italy,” said Wayne Davey, General Manager EMEA & India, 3D Systems. “Combining technical proficiency with an aggressive sales and marketing operation, 3DZ is uniquely positioned to bring 3D Systems additive manufacturing solutions to the Italian market and help drive the design and manufacturing of consumer goods, medical products, and other industries that contribute so much to the Italian economy.”