The Auto Research Center is pleased to announce the addition of a Stratasys FDM 8000 to our arsenal of tools. The Stratasys FDM-8000 rapid prototyping system generates 3D physical models directly from CAD files in a matter of hours. The Stratasys patented Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process builds models in ultra-thin layers from strong ABS plastic, to produce fully functional prototypes.

The quick turn-around time and toughness of the parts makes them ideally suited for use as prototype model parts for wind tunnel programs, for presentation models, or, with some finishing, as tooling for low-temperature composite parts. The FDM 8000 can also build fully assembled, multi-component systems with moving parts, such as gears, that actually work. This is possible due to a detergent-soluble support structure that holds the parts in place during construction.

For more information on the machines themselves please visit www.stratasys.com
Here at the Auto Research Center we specialize in making the parts for your custom projects, however big or small they may be. We are happy to provide a no-obligation quote along with guidance on build orientation and technique. We can also provide various post-finishing services, such as sanding, smoothing using body filler or acetone, and painting. It is also possible to build parts in several sections and bond them together to create parts that are larger than the build envelope of the FDM machine.

Because the FDM process builds the part in layers, surfaces with gradual curvatures turn out smoother if they are oriented vertically. And in terms of technique, the standard is a "solid fill" part, which as the name implies, is solid throughout a cross-section of the particular part. However, the FDM software is able to program your part with a view to saving time and material and therefore cost, by using what is called a "sparse fill" technique. This is where the interior of the part is not filled solid with material. Instead the part is built with thin inner and outer walls (or skins) and the interior is replaced with a sort of honeycomb structure to save material and therefore speed up the build process. As the sparse structure is completely enclosed when the part is finished, there is no visible difference in a part built this way and a solid part. A cross section of a "sparse fill" part is pictured below:

FDM 8000 Specifications:

• Model Material: ABS, several colors available
• Build Envelope: 457 x 457 x 609 mm, (18 x18 x 24 in)
• Model Accuracy: ± .127 mm, (± .005 in)
• Road Width: .250 to .965 mm (.010 to .038 in)
• Layer Thickness: .178 to .356 mm (.007 to .014 in)

For more information or to request a quotation, please e-mail fdm@ARCindy.com
If you would like a quote, please attach a STL file of your part with the following parameters:
• File Size: ≤ 6MB
• Chord Height: ~.001 inches
• Angle Control: ~1 degree
And let us know if you have any build technique, orientation, and finishing preferences.