Stratasys Adds High-Performance PPSF Plastic

    MINNEAPOLIS--May 1, 2003-- Rapid-prototyping system maker, Stratasys announced that it has released PPSF plastic for its FDM Titan rapid prototyping system. Among rapid prototyping materials, PPSF (or polyphenylsulfone) has the highest strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance.
    Aerospace, automotive, and medical product makers are among the first users expected to take advantage of the material. The aerospace industry will likely welcome the material's flammability properties; automobile manufacturers are expected to take advantage of its petroleum resistance and its ability to function at over 400 degrees F; and medical-product makers will be interested in the ability to sterilize PPSF prototypes.
    Beta-test site, Parker Hannifin, installed a PPSF model onto an automotive engine. The part, a filter called a crankcase vapor coalescer, was mounted on a V8 engine and tested for 40 hours to determine filter-medium efficiency. The part collected gasses containing 160 degrees F oil, fuel, soot, and other combustion by-products. Parker Hannifin's Russ Jensen said, "The assembly didn't leak, and it appeared to have the same strength and properties as when first assembled. We're pleased with its performance."
    Beta-test site, MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering) operations manager, Sheku Kamara, was likewise pleased with the new material. "With a glass-transition temperature of 450 degrees F, PPSF has the highest operating temperature and toughness of any rapid prototyping material except metals," he said. "During tests of an adhesive, PPSF prototype parts were exposed to temperatures from 14 degrees to 392 degrees F and maintained integrity."
    PPSF was first previewed to the public at last year's Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing Show. PPSF prototypes can be seen at this year's show in Chicago, May 13 - 15 at booth # 622. Titan users can now model using ABS plastic, PPSF, and polycarbonate. Switching among the materials is a simple step performed by the user. PPSF-ready Titans began shipping in April. Existing Titan users wishing to upgrade should contact their local Stratasys sales office for details.
    FDM models will not warp, shrink, or absorb moisture. Like all Stratasys equipment, the FDM Titan requires no special facilities or venting and involves no hazardous materials or by-products. Stratasys systems typically represent the lowest total cost of ownership among the major rapid-prototyping suppliers.
    Stratasys, Inc., Minneapolis, is the second largest manufacturer of rapid prototyping systems. The company's patented fused deposition modeling (FDM(R)) process creates solid models directly from 3D CAD files using ABS plastic, polycarbonate, PPSF or other materials. Stratasys provides rapid prototyping systems for OEMs such as aerospace, automotive, defense, consumer, and medical product makers.

    FDM Titan is a trademark of Stratasys, Inc.