P3™ Programmable Photopolymerization 3D Printing
Discover our range of Stratasys P3 3D printers
What is P3 3D printing?
Otherwise known as Programmable PhotoPolymerization, P3 isn’t an entirely new AM concept, but represents the bold evolution of an existing one. First came Digital Light Processing (DLP): a process in which a digital projector cures photopolymer resins to produce high-accuracy and high-resolution components.
Now, as the software behind Stratasys’s acclaimed Origin Two 3D printer range, P3 runs with that concept. Working alongside powerful computer analytics and advanced environmental sensors, P3 minutely monitors and optimises the print process in real-time. Parameters including temperature, light, pneumatics and pull forces are constantly fine-tuned, delivering repeatable quality and stellar surface finish that bear comparison with the standards of injection molding.
From tough and bulky componentry to complex parts with demanding geometries, P3 is remarkably adaptable. Meanwhile, because this AM discipline benefits from a spectrum of high-performance compatible materials, it has a vast range of potential applications. As such, while the speed of the P3 3D printing process means many manufacturers turn to this technology for functional prototyping, one of the great benefits is the mass production of end-use parts, each one the same as the last.
P3 3D Printing Benefits
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Smooth & accurateP3 allows the printing of fine-detail components with ultra-smooth surface finishes, alongside the option of further finishing steps like bonding and injection molding
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Unmatched controlGiving users close control over factors like temperature, P3 3D printing eliminates issues like warping and shrinkage, while its separation process reduces pull forces
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Streamlined hardwarePrint flexible parts made of clear photopolymers on a conventional 3D printer, using the same machine to produce both rigid and flexible parts to the same high standard
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Open-ended materialsTest the real-world capabilities of countless different P3-compatible thermoplastics, rapidly producing prototypes and reducing your time to market
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Ultra-efficientP3’s use of a digital light projector allows entire layers to be cured with a single flash, meaning efficient print runs, increased productivity and boosted bottom line
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Highly adaptableWith its best-in-class repeatability, P3 can adapt to any application, creating everything from high-quality prototypes to end-use parts that are ready to ship
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Smoother workflowWith OpenAM software, P3 puts the advanced tools at your fingertips to develop and experiment with new materials while establishing custom workflows
CASE STUDY
ECCO Explores Stratasys P3 for Footwear Manufacturing
Danish shoe manufacturer ECCO have been dipping their toe in the water over the past few years with 3D Printing, including a collaboration with Cambridge Design Partnership. This collaboration led on to a limited collection of 3d printed shoes and later on, the brand remained strong 3D printing shoes for this niche market.
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How does P3 3D printing work?
As a close relation to Digital Light Processing (DLP), the P3 process employs a light-sensitive photopolymer which is cured, one layer at a time, when exposed to light from the powerful projector below the build platform. Once the desired part has been printed, it’s removed from the build platform and the process begins again.
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What are P3 3D printers used for?
As our case studies reveal, P3’s renowned attention to detail has made this technology a trusted choice in future-led sectors from automotive to aerospace. You’ll find P3 3D printers like the Stratasys Origin One used for everything from next-generation footwear to personal protective equipment (PPE), while the Origin One Dental excels at surgical splints, dentures and other medical applications.
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How accurate is P3 3D printing?
P3 3D printing is exceptionally precise. Taking the Stratasys Origin One as an example, this technology is able to deliver print details of around 50μm, depending on the design and materials used. Just as importantly, with its tight control over printer movements, pressure, separation forces and countless other parameters, P3 is known for maintaining that accuracy even when printing ambitious geometries.
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What materials can be used with Stratasys Origin One?
The choice of materials available for the Stratasys Origin One 3D printer is a major selling point, and you’ll find these units excel when paired with anything from high-impact semi-flexible resins like 3843 to advanced bio-compatible medical-grade photopolymers including MED 412. At Tri-Tech 3D, we don’t just provide 3D printer hardware and software – our expert team is always ready to direct you to the most appropriate materials for the application at hand.
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What is the build volume of Stratasys Origin One?
The build size of the Stratasys Origin One is 192x108x370mm/7,672cm3 (7.5x4.25x14.5 inches/462 inches3), while the maximum length on the diagonal is 220mm (8.6 inches). That might not sound a huge capacity on paper, but by making smart use of tray space, choosing the optimal parts formation and learning how to get the best from your slicing software, you’ll be surprised how many components you can produce in a single print run.
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How big is the Origin One 3D printer?
While the Stratasys Origin One 3D printers are capable of mass production, these units are surprisingly compact, with a footprint that makes them ideal for even the smallest industrial print labs. Both the Origin One and Origin One Dental models share dimensions of 49x51x113cm (19x20x44 inches) and weigh just 81kg.
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How much does a Stratasys Origin One 3D printer cost?
Stratasys Origin One 3D printers are competitively priced, while Tri-Tech 3D offers a range of purchase options, including flexible finance or leasing a unit until you’re confident enough to invest. For the most up-to-date pricing on our P3 3D printers, it’s always best to contact our team by phone, email or enquiry form.
Most popular P3 Materials
Popular use cases of P3 technology
What are common applications for P3?
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- Email: info@tritech3d.co.uk
