Posted by Robert Kiser on Fri, Feb 06, 2009 @ 11:42 AM
Microtechnology is a term first applied to semi-conductor technology where an array of circuits could be put on a single chip. Microtechnology is technology with features near one micrometer (one millionth of a metre, or 10-6 metre, or 1μm). Inkjet printers are a good example of microtechnology.
The PolyJet 3D printing technology has the highest resolution in the Z-Axis (height measurement) and builds 3 Dimensional rapid prototypes layered together at layer thicknesses of .0006" (.015mm), or 15.24 microns. Comparing the PolyJet 3D printer rapid prototype system to other systems on the market, I consider the PolyJet a microtechnology because it breaks the barrier traditional rapid prototype systems are currently confined in. With a Z-Axis build capability of 15.24 microns, I can consider this close enough to define PolyJet as a rapid prototype "microtechnology". All PolyJet systems also have mechanical tolerance specifications they must be tuned within to meet the definition of the final product. Some of the calibrations require tuning to specification of less than 1 micron.
I just delivered a product to a customer who had literally been struggling to get a quality 3D prototype for a little over a year. This customer was so worn down by the bad quality 3D models he had received, along with all his questions being explained away, he didn't even trust what i was saying. I finally told the customer I would build a sample for free. Once they received the sample, all apprehension about using another rapid prototype service was gone and I was chosen to produce their exciting models. In summary, there was no other technology that was capable of building the project except the PolyJet prototype printer.
3D printing technology is a rapid prototype technology in and of itelf because it is a microtechnology, a true prototype printer, and a microtechnology that is a rapid prototype system using additive manufacturing as it's process.
