Canon has announced its first solo entry into the 3D printing market with its first major in-house developed 3D printer concept at the Canon EXPO Paris.
The resin-based lamination system has been designed to rival current 3D printing technologies with a faster production process than ever before and superior print strength.
Few details about the actual technology have been released so far but Canon says it is an entirely new process which is “not only suitable for rapid prototyping but rapid manufacturing as well”.
Making the announcement today, Canon stated: “With the highest level of precision in the industry we've reduced the need for time-consuming post-processing. Plus, higher modelling speeds and faster setting times mean you'll spend more time innovating and less time waiting.”
In a launch video, Canon highlights the key areas it aims to address with this new technology; diversity of materials, durability, simplification of post processing and faster build times for advancing demands of 3D printing applications.
The machine is set to accelerate speeds and reduce costs at the same time offering users the opportunity to work with a wide range of general purpose resins and deliver a competitively smooth surface finish. The company has developed 3D Integrated Software, designed to seamlessly link 3D technologies and devices such as 3D scanners and allow easy handling of multiple formats of 3D data.
Canon is the second high-profile brand to enter the market following HP’s Multi Jet Fusion storming onto the scene earlier this year boasting a breakthrough technology that promised to shake up the industry.
Though this may be its first proprietary technology offering, Canon is no stranger to the 3D printing industry. The 2D printing stalwart struck a partnership with 3D Systems to market, sell and support its advanced manufacturing systems.
