If you’re waiting for your SP-8x20 tray system, we’ve got good news: our 3D part supplier is back in production!
Note: we’ve been using the same third-party manufacturer for all our 3D production parts for over ten years, (even before we invented the SP-445!), and never had any issues. Interesting fact, the first printer they used, a Dimension 1200, cost over $35,000 back in 2008! And had to be highly modified (by them) to print ABS (we ONLY use ABS for production parts.)
Unfortunately, they had a pipe leak and the water damaged their lab/production room; completely soaking their 3D printers. While waiting for the insurance to sort things out, they purchased a new, super fast, extra fancy printer. This new printer produced some of the nicest looking parts we’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, they had extremely poor layer-to-layer adhesion. The parts would just split like kindling with any torsional loading.
It should be noted that 3D printing is still more an art than a science!
After months of trying, the printer manufacturer has finally acknowledged that it won’t work for this application. (Note for 3D printing geeks: our parts are printed in ABS with HIPS for support. This printer uses a single nozzle with a multiplexer that switches out the material. Apparently, HIPS residue remaining in the nozzle is contaminating the ABS.)
Fortunately, last week, the insurance company returned their original printers, they rebuilt one over the weekend and are back in business.
We hope to have plenty of parts by Friday, 6/13 and ship out SP-8x20s next week.
Sorry for the crazy delays and thanks for your patience.