Are you struggling to produce consistent results on parts dyed from HP’s Multi Jet Fusion printer? The last step in many users of HP 3D’s technology is to dye the parts so the final result is a deep black – well colored part. Often, we see various set ups such as crock pots or large pots on burners to dye parts black from the various HP 3D printers. We see this system also in place for dyeing SLS parts. A typical example is below. Over time this process gets messy, time consuming, and provides inconsistent results.
Until recently, the current option for automated dyeing was DyeMansion’s DM60. This unit is the Rolls-Royce of dyeing. We have sold this technology for the last few years and truly has been game changing when you talk true Additive Manufacturing being implemented with high standards and measurable output. The DM60 uses a scientific process teamed with a unique dye system to produce unmatched final parts with repeatable and exact dye results – including color. The DyeMansion has a fit.
But…..what if your budget or process does not call for such an exact dye and your main goal is to replace that large pot dying process? Enter OmegaSonics…they are known for their ultrasonic cleaners but have developed a dye tank specifically to dye parts from HP MJF’s technology. The HP 1818 Dye Tank. The biggest advantage of the Omegasonics solutions? The unit starts at $ 14,995! The time saving and part quality improvements make the ROI on the system less than 12 months – in my opinion of course.
We had a client test the beta unit and have used it for over 5 months with great success. They had previously used a messy pot set up and now have an automated dye process with better results. You can view a video we created of the beta unit using the link below. I want to make sure to note that the final production unit has black outer panels (yes some dye will still cause a mess😊) and the mesh basket shipping with the unit has a finer mesh to hold smaller parts than the beta unit. You can view our video here:
Lastly, let me outline some of the key features:
- Price – I had to mention that again because at 15K the unit is very affordable.
- Adjustable Heat - Heat up to 200°F with simple – easy to use controls
- Robust pump - The key feature of the unit (besides the heated vat) is the circulation of the dye. This is accomplished with a durable Ryton pump.
- Large volume capable - Basket is 14" x14" x 15"
- Overall Build Quality of Unit - Not only is the unit built with high quality, strong materials, it is on casters for portability.
- Dyed Parts Results - One of the challenges typical pot dying has is under sides of parts are not dyed as well as the side. Envision the part sitting on the bottom of the pot. With the circulation of the dye, the final parts have consistent dyed surface on all sides.
- Throughput - The HP1818 Dye Tank increase the number of parts you can dye in a given time.
As many of you know, the hidden challenge of 3D printing is finishing processes. We are excited to see manufacturers such as OmegaSonics entering the 3D post processing equipment game. I believe this system will be sold with a majority of HP’s 4200 and 5200 series printers.
If you want more information on the unit, feel free to visit us at www.mastergraphics.com or contact me directly at kevin.carr@mastergraphics.com
