Long build times, LY 1.1 & BS 5.1

From: Luper, Harold (HLuper@SOLIDIFORM.com)
Date: Fri Sep 29 2000 - 15:54:56 EEST


We have been using 3D Systems' new software since we first participated in
the beta testing program to build parts on our SLA 5000 using SL5195 resin.
We have both versions of the software installed on the workstation and SLA
machine. I have prepared and built many benchmark QuickCast test parts using
both versions of the software because I have noticed a significant increase
in build times on "same part" builds when I use BS (Buildstation) 5.1. I
have proven that this increase in build time is not due to fine point
supports, differences in build parameters, nor differences in settings in
the BS software. I can even build the same bff prepared in LY (Lightyear)
1.0 using both versions of BS, have both versions of BS estimate the build
time within a minute of each other, and yet the builds using BS 5.1 always
take longer, in the range of 3% to 12% longer for all tests thus far.

In the duration of the time that we used solely LY 1.0 & BS 5.0, QuickCast
builds completed in less time than the estimated build time 95% of the
builds. Using the new software, QuickCast builds are completing in more time
than the estimated build time about 70% of the builds. This has made it more
difficult to predict build completion times to have personnel here on time
to clean up parts and cycle the machine to start next builds.

Has anyone out there experienced similar results using the new software?

Thanks,

Harold Luper
Prototyping Specialist
Solidiform Incorporated
Phone: (817)-831-2626
Fax: (817)-831-8258
email: hluper@solidiform.com

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