“We can output any shape, covering all kinds of prototypes for industrial design right through to architectural models,” Alfred Camilleri says. “So far, these kinds of models have been built by hand, which is much more time-consuming and complicated. But this kind of prototyping will give you much quicker and even more accurate scale models. The resolution is around 0.09mm, which produces fine detail.”
“The possibilities are endless, even in medicine,” Ryan Mallia says. “We can output from the 3D files of a CAT or MRI scanner, producing an actual physical model of the result.” He says that initial interest will almost certainly come mainly from the fields of architecture and project development. Exalta has considerable experience in architectural 3D renderings and models produced by other means, and its track record and portfolio of projects – including Palm City in Tripoli, Pendergardens and Tigne Point/MIDI in Malta and the Hillock in Gozo - mean that it has a positive delivery reputation already. “We’ve done most of the big developments, but we work on lots of smaller projects, too,” Mr Mallia says.
The main advantage of using Exalta’s Z Corporation system is delivery time. Project developers usually cannot afford to lose time at the project presentation stage by waiting for scale models to be built painstakingly by hand. “There is a lot of hand-work involved even with our system,” Mr Mallia says, “but a great deal of time is saved because the main elements are ‘printed out’ rather than built. The finishing is then done by hand: we colour them in, add trees and people, glaze the windows…that kind of thing. We can also light the model from the inside.”
Mr Camilleri adds another advantage to using this system: the models are extremely strong. You can ship them, knock them about, and they’ll still be as good as new.
Another suitable use is for the creation of scale models of exhibition and expo stands. Z Corporation’s system is used, too, for the recreation of historical buildings in museums and other displays.
Z Corporation technology works by creating a 3D physical model directly from digital data, layer by layer, turning concepts and ideas into real things that clients or investors can see, feel, touch, hold and examine. A 3D CAD file is imported into the system software, which then cuts the file into thin cross-sectional slices. These are fed to the 3D printer, which creates the model one layer at a time, by spreading a layer of powder and then printing a binder in the cross-section of the part. The process is repeated until every layer is printed and the part is complete.
Z Corporation’s 3D printers are the world’s fastest – five to 10 times faster than the closest competition. This means that models can be produced in hours rather than days, and multiple models can be produced at the same time, cutting down even further on production time.
EXALTA’S Z CORPORATION 3D PRINTING SYSTEM CAN BE USED FOR:
Design prototypes
3D print concept models, functional prototypes and presentation models for evaluating and refining designs
Metal castings
Moulds, mould inserts and patterns for metal casting
Architecture
Models of architectural designs and prototypes for the design of critical elements
Education
3d colour models which students can hold and examine, bringing ideas and concepts to life and engaging their imagination
Geospatial
Conversion of GIS data into 3D landscape and cityscape models
Healthcare
Rapid production of 3D models to reduce operating time and to improve communication between doctors and patients
Entertainment and the arts
Creation of avatars and consumer figurines from 3D data generated by electronic games, animations and entertainment software for children and young people