The interestingly-named Purple Platypus at Booth No. 3409 is not exactly what one would expect to see at a helicopter convention, but the Stratasys 3D printer certainly represents the latest technology. Purple Platypus is a distributor for Stratasys, manufacturer of what it says is the world’s first color and multi-material 3D printer, the Objet500 Connex 3.
What makes the Objet500 Connex 3 unique is “triple-jetting technology that combines droplets of three base materials,” according to Purple Platypus. In a single print run, the printer can make a part combining rigid, flexible and transparent color materials. “This ability to achieve the characteristics of an assembled part without assembly or painting is a significant time-saver. It helps product manufacturers validate designs and make good decisions earlier before committing to manufacturing, and bring products to market faster.”
